Happy Black Business Month! Today, we celebrate Los Angeles’ first Black woman-owned dispensary, Gorilla RX Wellness. The business just celebrated its three-year anniversary, marking a significant milestone in the city’s cannabis industry. Read more about their blossoming business inside.

Founded by mother-daughter duo who both go by the name, Kika, except the mom founder and owner, “Big” Kika is the visionary behind the Crenshaw dispensary. With the guidance of a dedicated entrepreneur and social justice advocate, Gorilla RX Wellness has become more than just a dispensary—it’s a symbol of empowerment, resilience, and community.

Located in the heart of Crenshaw, Gorilla RX Wellness stands out not only because it is a Black woman-owned business in a predominantly male-dominated industry, but also because it was built on a foundation of social equity and community engagement. Since opening its doors in 2020, the dispensary has been committed to providing high-quality cannabis products while also addressing the systemic inequalities in the industry.

Keith, who has been a vocal advocate for social equity in cannabis, worked tirelessly to secure her license through the city’s Social Equity Program. Her journey was a challenging one, filled with red tape, delays, and systemic barriers, but she remained undeterred in her mission to break down those barriers and pave the way for other minority entrepreneurs.

To celebrate their three-year anniversary, Gorilla RX Wellness hosted a vibrant community event that honored its roots and the community that helped build it. The celebration featured local Black-owned vendors, live music, and a block party atmosphere that brought together people from all walks of life. The dispensary also launched special promotions and products in honor of the milestone, including a limited-edition product line that highlights the brand’s unique ethos and style.

Keith’s vision for Gorilla RX Wellness goes beyond selling cannabis. They have created a space that feels like home, where education and community upliftment are just as important as the products on the shelves. Her dispensary offers wellness workshops, community events, and employment opportunities for local residents, ensuring that the benefits of this emerging industry are felt by the people who live in the neighborhood.

Reflecting on the three-year journey, Keith shared her pride in seeing her vision come to life.

“We’re not just a dispensary,” she said in an interview with Travel Noire. “We’re a wellness center that believes in holistic healing and community empowerment. We’ve been blessed with three years of support from our community, and we’re just getting started.”

As the first Black woman to own a dispensary in Los Angeles, the Kikas have set a powerful precedent for others to follow. Their commitment to social equity and community support has made Gorilla RX Wellness a beacon of hope and change in an industry that has long overlooked the contributions and needs of people of color. With three years behind them and many more to come, Gorilla RX Wellness is more than just a business—it’s a movement.

Be sure to visit their dispensary and support the business here 4233 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008. Follow Gorilla RX Wellness on Instagram here.