About this episode
Jesce Horton's story proves that setbacks can be the setup for something greater. He lost a scholarship and corporate job opportunities because of cannabis. But instead of being defeated, he accepted rejection as redirection and found a career working with the plant. Now, as the founder of LOWD , he's a leading advocate for Black ownership, representation, and real equity in the cannabis industry. Jesce shares how quitting his lucrative job to grow weed in his basement led to a thriving career in cannabis. His industrial engineering background gave him the tools to develop smart, sustainable systems, helping him scale LOWD into an award-winning cannabis production company. He also opens up about his partnership with NBA legend Carmelo Anthony to develop Stay Melo and launch Grand National Agency , a platform designed to uplift others in the space. On this episode of For Good podcast, Joseph "JoJo" Simmons and Jesce dive into: The first time he smoked and how it changed his path forever. The book that shifted his mindset and set him on the road to success. Why it's important for celebs like Carmelo Anthony to form strategic, intentional partnerships when entering the cannabis business. Links and Resources: Follow @jescehorton on Instagram Follow @thelowd on Instagram Follow @forgoodpodcast on Instagram Subscribe to the For Good podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to For Good 01:45 Why the Cannabis Industry Needs More Black Leaders 02:47 My First Smoke: A Life-Changing Connection 03:34 Sneaking Weed: My Parents Found Out 06:20 How Cannabis Helped Me Ace School 07:44 Failed the Drug Test and Lost It All 09:26 Amsterdam Changed Everything 11:47 From Engineer to Weed Grower: Taking the Leap 14:10 What If I Worked on Something I Loved? 16:31 How Engineering Made Me a Better Grower 20:26 The Biggest Misconception About The Business 19:54 Founding the Minority Cannabis Business Association 22:33 The Three Pillars of Equity in Cannabis 23:32 Using Cannabis to Create Real Change 27:27 Teaming up with Carmelo Anthony 31:36 Corporate Cannabis Doesn't Get the Culture 31:54 The Industry's Biggest Problem Today 35:04 Managing Mental Health as a Cannabis Entrepreneur