By DKG | MushroomStoreJA.com

In the fast-evolving world of plant medicine and wellness, few voices resonate as deeply as Dr. Roz McCarthy. As the founder and CEO of Minorities for Medical Marijuana (M4MM) and creator of Black Buddha Cannabis, she continues to shape the future of cannabis through a unique blend of activism, entrepreneurship, and mindfulness.

Her journey—from corporate leadership to full-time advocacy to global wellness entrepreneur—has been marked by purpose, resilience, and a steadfast belief in the healing power of plants. In this exclusive feature, Dr. McCarthy opens up about leading with values, why Jamaica is vital to the global cannabis and mushroom movement, and how conscious brands can stand out by staying rooted in authenticity.

“Purpose has always been the foundation—and profit is a tool to sustain that purpose.”

Q: What originally sparked your mission with Minorities for Medical Marijuana (M4MM), and how has it evolved?

Dr. Roz McCarthy:
When I launched M4MM in 2016, it came from both frustration and hope. Frustration, because our communities were being criminalized and excluded from opportunities in a booming industry. Hope, because I believed that if we organized and moved with intention, we could turn cannabis into a vehicle for healing and economic empowerment.

Since then, M4MM has grown into much more than an advocacy group. Today, we operate expungement clinics, safe access programs, education initiatives, and business training platforms. In short, we’ve shifted from identifying problems to implementing real solutions.

“Black Buddha is about holistic healing, mindfulness, and showing up in this industry authentically.”

Q: What inspired the creation of Black Buddha Cannabis, and how does it reflect your personal journey?

Dr. Roz McCarthy:
Black Buddha was born from a very personal chapter in my life. After surviving a traumatic brain injury, I dealt with chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. Traditional medicine failed to help, but cannabis didn’t. It became a central part of my healing and recovery.

As a result, Black Buddha is more than a brand—it’s a movement. It stands for wellness, spiritual self-care, and showing up authentically. It’s about reclaiming our right to feel whole and be seen for who we truly are.

“We’re not chasing trends—we’re building community.”

Q: How does Black Buddha stand out in an increasingly saturated wellness market?

Dr. Roz McCarthy:
Our approach is simple: we focus on connection. Rather than just selling products, we’re creating a lifestyle brand rooted in community, intentional living, and holistic healing.

Through terpene education, daily rituals, and emotional support, we meet people where they are. Ultimately, we’re here to support personal transformation—not just consumption habits. That’s our edge.

“Growth without values is just noise.”

Q: How do you stay grounded in purpose while navigating a fast-commercializing industry?

Dr. Roz McCarthy:
I stay anchored in my “why.” At both M4MM and Black Buddha, impact is baked into the business model. We don’t treat community initiatives as side projects—they’re part of our DNA.

While profit is important, it should serve a purpose. We continuously reinvest in education, advocacy, and healing. That’s how we scale without losing who we are.

“Jamaica can lead the world in cannabis and mushroom wellness.”

Q: What role do you see Jamaica playing in the global wellness movement, especially in cannabis and mushrooms?

Dr. Roz McCarthy:
Jamaica is sacred ground when it comes to plant medicine. Its deep traditions—grounded in ritual, reverence, and indigenous knowledge—make it a powerful force in this movement.

In fact, Jamaica has the opportunity to lead globally. From cannabis cultivation to psilocybin retreats to wellness tourism, the island can set a new standard. But we must build that future with care and cultural respect.

“Mindful brands will thrive—especially in Jamaica.”

Q: How does Black Buddha integrate mindfulness, and could it resonate in Jamaica?

Dr. Roz McCarthy:
Absolutely. Every product we release ties back to a broader conversation about healing. Whether it’s understanding terpenes, engaging with guided meditations, or learning intentional consumption, we promote wellness in its full form.

Jamaica’s spiritual depth and connection to nature make it the perfect environment for this. I believe Black Buddha’s ethos will not just resonate there—it will thrive.

“Protect Jamaica’s cannabis industry—and build with Jamaicans.”

Q: What’s your impression of Jamaica’s cannabis landscape, and where are the real opportunities?

Dr. Roz McCarthy:
Jamaica’s potential is enormous, but it’s also fragile. Without proper stewardship, large foreign entities could exploit the culture and leave locals behind.

The future lies in collaborations that center Jamaican ownership, wellness tourism, and education. By empowering local farmers and entrepreneurs, we can grow something truly sustainable and globally respected.

“Build your business around values, not vanity.”

Q: What advice would you offer to emerging Black entrepreneurs and women in cannabis or wellness?

Dr. Roz McCarthy:
Start by getting clear on your purpose. This industry will test you, so your foundation must be solid.

Lead with values. Invest in your education. Build relationships with intention. And above all, own your story—it’s your strength. Don’t dim it to fit someone else’s vision.

“You don’t maintain values by accident—you practice them.”

Q: What keeps you grounded while your influence continues to expand?

Dr. Roz McCarthy:
Faith, family, and community. I intentionally make space for reflection—whether it’s through meditation, prayer, or simply being in nature.

Staying connected to spirit isn’t just helpful—it’s necessary. In this work, being grounded isn’t optional. It’s survival.

“The next chapter is global.”

Q: What’s next for M4MM and Black Buddha?

Dr. Roz McCarthy:
We’re expanding Project Clean Slate internationally to support justice reform outside the U.S. At the same time, Black Buddha is preparing to enter new wellness markets, including Jamaica.

We’re also launching global retreat experiences centered around plant medicine, mindfulness, and intentional healing—especially for women. The movement is growing, and we’re just getting started.

In an industry often driven by profits, Dr. Roz McCarthy leads with purpose. Through social justice, conscious entrepreneurship, and a deep respect for plant medicine, she’s helping shape a wellness future that prioritizes healing, equity, and cultural integrity.

Whether advocating in policy rooms or launching mindful products, Dr. McCarthy continues to build a legacy that inspires entrepreneurs, empowers communities, and centers humanity in the cannabis conversation.