Shavon Sullivan Wright, CEO and Founder of The Grass Cab – Interview Series

One fascinating aspect of the cannabis industry is the sheer variety of stories from the professionals within it. Few industries have as many employees with their own unique backgrounds as cannabis companies do. One such entrepreneur who certainly understands the importance of documenting these impactful stories is Shavon Sullivan Wright, CEO and Founder of The Grass Cab.

For a closer look into the many series she has helped produce, and how she made the transition from television production to cannabis, mycannabis.com had the pleasure of speaking with Wright herself.

What subjects did you study at university? What courses were the most interesting and/or useful for you?

My major was broadcast journalism, and one course focused on how television and film quietly condition society to accept new ideas. Even something as subtle as racial integration in Peanuts may seem small, but those moments help normalize inclusion and bring people together. Entertainment holds a unique place in society because it has the power to build bridges, shape perspectives, and connect people from all walks of life.

Where did your very extensive career in broadcast journalism and television production begin? What were the first projects you worked on and what were the most valuable lessons you learned during those first early years?

I wanted to be the next Oprah Winfrey. I admired her career and her ability to connect with and influence people in such a meaningful way. My first job after college was with the NBC Page Program, an incredible opportunity that gave me hands-on experience and exposure to every aspect of the television industry.

With producing the broadcast of NBC’s Summer and Winter Olympics, what were all the logistics and other factors that had to be considered and perfected? How did your duties and the duties of the overall production change depending on where the Olympics were being hosted?

I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work on both the Winter and Summer Olympic Games. I was in Athens for the Summer Olympics, and it was an unforgettable experience. I was at the bottom of the food chain, working as a runner at the opening and closing ceremony venue, which also served as the track and field stadium. Since I’ve always loved track and field, being that close to the action was incredible. One of my favorite memories was racing down to the press line after Justin Gatlin won. He signed my ticket, and I still have it to this day.

The Winter Olympics were done remotely, so while I missed the sense of community and being on-site, I still love the spirit and energy of the Olympics.

What all went into the creation and production of the OWN Network series “Black Women OWN the Conversation”? What was the Emmys category that the series was nominated for? As someone who’s worked in television production for so many years now, how did it feel to win an award as prestigious as an Emmy?

Black Women Own the Conversation won a News & Documentary Emmy Awards in 2019, and it was one of the toughest — and most rewarding — productions I’ve ever been part of. We filmed in a park in Atlanta during August heat, building an entire studio from scratch with lights, cameras, trailers, and an audience of 100 Black women.

What made it special was the atmosphere we created. It became a warm, safe space where women felt comfortable being vulnerable and sharing deeply personal stories. There was a real sense of sisterhood in that studio, and even during filming, you could feel that we were creating something meaningful.

Receiving an Emmy for the Motherhood episode was incredibly rewarding because it validated what we all felt in that moment — that something truly special had happened in that hot studio in Atlanta.

As someone who’s worked with and produced many famous programs across many different genres, why was “Black Women OWN the Conversation” such a groundbreaking and thought-provoking series? What were some of the most poignant moments of the series?

Black Women Own the Conversation brought together 100 Black women — many of whom had never met before — and created a space rooted in honesty, warmth, and vulnerability. Through real conversations, we explored universal experiences surrounding motherhood, beauty, love, and emotional well-being.

The “Motherhood” episode remains especially meaningful to me because one young mother opened up so honestly about her journey. She spoke with the kind of vulnerability you would normally share among close friends, not a room full of strangers. In that moment, it was clear we had created more than a television set — we had created trust, connection, and a true sense of sisterhood.

After so many years in broadcast journalism and television production, what inspired you to open The Grass Cab? Did you have any professional or personal concerns about entering the New Jersey cannabis industry?

After so many years in broadcast journalism and television production, the decision to open The Grass Cab came from a mix of lived experience and timing. I’d spent my career building stories, shaping narratives, and creating spaces where people could feel seen and heard. Over time, I started thinking more about what it would look like to bring that same intention into a physical space — something rooted in wellness, culture, and community.

Cannabis stands out because it sits at the intersection of so many important conversations: health, lifestyle, policy, and personal well-being. For me, it also connects deeply to women’s wellness and the gaps that still exist in how women are supported through major life transitions.

Did I have concerns about entering the New Jersey cannabis industry? Absolutely. Any regulated industry comes with complexity, but cannabis adds another layer because of the disconnect between state legalization and federal law. There were real questions around compliance, banking, licensing rigor, and long-term stability. The process in New Jersey in particular demanded a level of operational detail that forced me to slow down and build everything carefully and intentionally.

But ultimately, those challenges also reinforced the mission. If the industry is going to mature, it needs operators who are thoughtful, compliant, and community-focused. That’s what I’ve tried to bring into this work from the beginning.

How would you describe the process of first applying for the cannabis retail license and then going through the required steps to create a cannabis business in New Jersey? How does it compare to other states?

I’ve applied for licenses in Delaware, New York, New Jersey, Missouri, Minnesota, and Washington, D.C.. I’ve been awarded licenses in Washington, D.C., Missouri, and New Jersey.

The New Jersey process was by far the most rigorous, requiring detailed submissions like a Management Operations Profile and a full Regulatory Compliance Plan. In contrast, some of the other states had far more straightforward application processes.

I once heard someone say, “If you don’t like multi-state operations, build your own.” That stuck with me. I made it a goal to build something that reflects me—my perspective, my values, and the community I want to serve.

Why did you decide on the location of Bergen County, New Jersey and what advantages does that location bring for cannabis sales and product quality?

I’m a proud resident of Bergen County, and I couldn’t imagine opening anywhere else. I moved back to New Jersey over a decade ago, and every weekend seemed to lead us back to Bergen County because of its energy, diversity, and incredible local businesses.

I live in Maywood, and part of the town borders Bergen Town Center, which made it feel like the perfect place to open a dispensary. The area is filled with great stores, restaurants, and shops, and cannabis naturally fits into so many different lifestyles and communities here.

How have you utilized the space and team at The Grass Cab to be more than just a generic dispensary selling cannabis products? With the products on the menu in particular, how do the featured brands share the values of The Grass Cab?

I’ve created a unique space with elevated taxicab-inspired design that feels boutique, welcoming, and unlike the typical dispensary experience.

My focus is on products centered around women and wellness. Women go through constant changes throughout their lives, yet so many of those experiences have been overlooked by medicine and science. I believe cannabis offers a real path toward relief, balance, and self-care for many women.

As someone navigating the perimenopausal years myself, I understand how deeply many women want to feel like themselves again. That’s why I want to feature products that support sleep, relaxation, intimacy, and overall well-being — from calming gummies and sexual wellness products to a quiet, peaceful smoke at the end of a long day. My goal is to create a space where women feel seen, supported, and empowered to care for themselves in a holistic way.

How do you envision both The Grass Cab and the greater New Jersey cannabis industry adapting to a federal cannabis rescheduling being implemented by the old host of The Apprentice? (I noticed the show was on your resume, so I had to make a little joking reference about it.)

As someone who worked on The Apprentice, I’ve had a front-row seat to how narratives and policy conversations evolve—and I’m struck by where we are today with cannabis rescheduling.

What’s clear is that the current system doesn’t work at any level that matters. We have an industry that operates in a legal gray zone: legal in many states, but still misaligned at the federal level. That contradiction creates real consequences—confusing and inconsistent regulations, continued safety risks from unregulated markets, and businesses forced to operate without the clarity or stability any industry needs to thrive.

Rescheduling isn’t just a policy shift; it’s a necessary step toward aligning the law with reality and creating a safer, more coherent framework for consumers, entrepreneurs, and communities.

Thank you for joining us, Shavon! For more information on The Grass Cab, please visit its website.