The Cannabis Business Office's Social Equity Licensee Highlight series dives into the stories of social equity licensees currently operating in the cannabis space. By exploring the unique backgrounds, challenges, and opportunities of these owners, our case studies serve as unique window into the cannabis industry and a way for businesses to learn from one another.
Having launched in 2021, Blaze To-Go Delivery is a black-owned cannabis delivery service business. Operating in Denver, the business sends top-quality cannabis products directly to their customers' doors in the downtown area. Customers can schedule their delivery and order on-demand via their website. To learn more about their journey, we heard from their Founder, LaRon Bradford.
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What sparked your interest in the cannabis industry?
What sparked my interest in the cannabis industry was seeing an illegal substance finally become regulated. For a long time, cannabis was seen as taboo in the eyes of the people, so it was interesting to see how that feeling changed when it became legalized.
How will your work impact the community?
I’m from the community. Everything I pursue and participate in, I do while keeping my community at the front of my mind. Blaze To-Go has been focused on helping the youth in our areas. We provide school supplies and teach a middle school class on “How to be a DJ or Radio Personality”. Through our efforts, we’re also focusing on teaching them how to be a better person.
Is there anything interesting about your backstory that you’d like to share?
My personal backstory is like a movie. Like many business owners, there’s a lot of ups and downs. But I’m still here, and so is Blaze To-Go, and we’re not going anywhere. I’m sure this story has a great ending, so keep on following along.
Please share something unique about your company.
I have been working in the cannabis industry since 2009, and have been able to gain a lot of experience in compliance and customer service. Because of this, Blaze To-Go Delivery Services is unique because we understand how important these parts of the business are, and we have worked hard to do it the best.
What challenges do you face as a small business and social equity licensee?
Every business has its challenges, not just social equity licensed small businesses. But, being on the bottom, you have to fight twice as hard than others to keep your business running and be competitive.
What would you change about the Colorado cannabis industry if you could?
Issues in the Colorado cannabis industry are like a catch 22. While there are things we could change, we would first have to address other issues in the industry. What I would like to see changed is the licensing fees for entry into the cannabis industry, and also the banking situation to allow cannabis companies to bank at traditional institutions.
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Want your business to be featured in a monthly highlight? If you are an operational social equity licensed cannabis business, apply to be a part of our Social Equity Licensee Highlight series. To be considered for upcoming highlights, please complete our form. The next two questions are screening questions. Additional questions will appear if you are eligible.