Northeast Ohio sisters overcome challenges with cannabis company [Video]

CLEVELAND — The first Black women-owned cannabis company to achieve 100% vertical integration is right here in Cleveland. 

Seven years ago, Arianne Kirkpatrick entered into an industry few women have chosen — cannabis. 

“We made the decision that we, despite the barriers, despite the obstacles, despite being black and female, we were going to make this work and we did,” said Kirkpatrick. 

The journey wasn’t easy. A falling out with her partners got ugly when Harvest Health and Recreation was bought out.  

“They were acquired by the largest company in the United States, which is Trulieve. And originally, we were not part of that partnership or ownership that was between Harvest and Trulieve,” said Kirkpatrick.

Fighting to keep her company, Kirkpatrick turned it into a family business, hiring her sister, Amonica Davis, as CEO. 

While the …