Sitting at my desk on the final day of 2024, I find myself reflecting on the year that’s passed. It’s been a journey of highs and lows, both personally and professionally. Funny how every year seems to have that same rhythm, doesn’t it? I started 2024 brimming with excitement, energy, and enthusiasm—ready for something fresh. There was even a new daily habit I committed to in January, and for the first time, I stuck with it all year. That felt like a win.
I began 2024 with an attitude of gratitude, fueled by the joy of being in a relationship that seemed to have nowhere to go but up. But life had other plans, and that relationship came to an end sooner than I’d hoped. Professionally, I entered the year optimistic about the cannabis industry. I could sense the potential for change, for new energy, for meaningful policy reform. Yet here we are—still waiting for that shift.
So, as we step into 2025, I want to speak directly to my friends and colleagues in the cannabis industry. My prayer for us is simple: may this year be kind. May we find the relief we’ve been longing for. May we finally figure out what equity truly means—not just in words, but in practice. Let’s not forget the social harms that existed long before legalization—harms that disproportionately impacted communities of color. And let’s not allow DEI to become just another buzzword fading into irrelevance. It matters. It always has, and it always will.
I’m hopeful for 2025. Hopeful that we’ll see more intentional partnerships. Hopeful that people will lean into their networks and relationships to help build something better. I want us to be bold—to ask for what we need and what we want.
This past year, I discovered a self-help app called Headway. It’s filled with bite-sized content that helps you grow, and one audiobook that resonated deeply with me was The Art of Asking. It reminded me how hard it can be to ask for help. We fear rejection, we don’t want to be a bother, and we cling to this idea of independence that convinces us we should figure everything out on our own. But here’s the truth: a closed mouth doesn’t get fed. My mother used to say that all the time, and she was right.
2025, for me, is the year of asking. Asking without shame, without fear, and without hesitation. Whether it’s asking for resources to make payroll, expand marketing, or grow a business. Asking for collaboration, even when it feels like others might not want to work with us. Asking for clarity when legalization reform feels muddled and lawmakers seem out of touch. Asking for support, even when the answer might be no.
And if it is no? That’s okay. I’ve learned that every no is just a yes waiting to happen. I’ve heard no more times than I can count, but I keep asking because I know the yeses will come. I want to be able to say yes to others, too—to pay it forward and build a cycle of opportunity and growth.
As I reflect on 2024, I see a year that, while not perfect, gave me more than I expected. It reminded me of the grit, determination, and resilience needed to keep moving forward. Life has lessons to teach us, and I’m asking 2025 to be gentle with mine. Be kind. I need that kindness—not just for me, but for all of us.
This year, I’ll keep working hard, staying humble, and helping others. I’ll continue to dream big, knowing that everything I need is already within reach. I just need to believe—and to ask.
So here’s to 2025: a year of bold asks, of manifesting dreams, and of pushing forward without hesitation. Let’s make this the year we get it right. Let’s stay inspired and committed. And above all, let’s remember to be kind.
Dr. Roz McCarthy
Founder/CEO
Black Buddha Cannabis
Minorities for Medical Marijuana
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