Dreka Gates: 'Cannabis Would Be A Trillion-Dollar Industry For Black And Brown Communities—If It Hadn't Been Criminalized'

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in May 2024. Some time references have been updated as of April 2025 for clarity and context.

“Imagine if it was never prohibited. Cannabis would be a trillion-dollar industry that was ours,” says Dreka Gates in an exclusive interview, reflecting on the historical and social implications of cannabis prohibition and its disproportionate impact on Black and Brown communities in America and beyond. As an accomplished entrepreneur – and wife of rapper Kevin Gates, Dreka is carving out a significant space for herself in the wellness and cannabis industries, driven by a profound personal connection to plant medicine.

Dreka's journey with cannabis began in her teen years with a challenging first encounter. "My first time smoking was an absolutely horrible experience," she admits. Paranoia and anxiety marked her initial attempt, but her curiosity pushed her to try again. This time, cannabis provided a sense of relaxation and openness that became central to her wellness routine. Today, Dreka uses cannabis to manage anxiety and incorporates other therapeutic plants and fungi into her daily regimen. "I also microdose with psychedelic mushrooms for healing past traumas and functional mushrooms daily," she explains.

Her holistic approach to wellness is deeply rooted in personal experience and education. Dreka took a three-day crash course at Oaksterdam University in Oakland in 2016, which covered everything from seed to sale, business and growing aspects of cannabis. This foundation empowered her to enter the cannabis industry with confidence and expertise.

A Crop Harvested With Love

In 2021, a Michigan-based cannabis company offered Dreka a partnership, where she took on roles in marketing and research and development. This opportunity was a stepping stone to her solo venture, Love's Harvest, based in Mississippi.

Dreka Gates. SHANNON LAURINEX

"Love's Harvest is my love, my harvest," she says, describing her cannabis operation. Her vision for Love's Harvest is to create a space that educates and destigmatizes cannabis use, particularly in the conservative Bible Belt. "I'm still in the Bible Belt, and a lot of people still look at it like, 'Oh, that's dope, that's a drug,'" she explains.

However, she is confident in her ability to educate and transform these outdated views, showing that cannabis can be a powerful tool for wellness and healing. "You can literally just plant a seed outside in your backyard and you don't have to do anything to it. It'll just grow and it'll just be there. How can this possibly be illegal?" she adds.

Weed Wellness

The wellness market in the U.S. is booming, valued at over $1.5 trillion and still projected to grow steadily each year. Similarly, the cannabis market is experiencing rapid expansion, with estimates suggesting it could reach $43 billion in 2025 — a milestone the industry is now approaching. Dreka's dual focus on wellness and cannabis positions her uniquely at the intersection of these lucrative industries. She has been developing a line of products that blend cannabis with other herbs and plants, including topicals, pills and edibles. "Some people are so accustomed to taking pills," she notes, "so we have those too."

Dreka Gates. SHANNON LAURINEX

Her efforts aim to make medication approachable and enjoyable. "It's instilled in us that medication has to feel bad to be therapeutic," she reflects. Dreka challenges this notion by offering products that are both effective and pleasant to use. "But aside from that, it has so many benefits recreationally and medicinally. For those people that just want to take the edge off after they get home from a long day's work or something, it's good for that." Her goal is to meet people where they are, providing options that suit different preferences and lifestyles.

Dreka's holistic approach to wellness extends beyond the physical products she offers. She is also passionate about creating experiences that foster healing and growth. She has hosted retreats and pop-up events designed to merge wellness and cannabis, offering participants a comprehensive approach to health that addresses mental, physical and spiritual needs. "My intention is to create educational programs and retreats where people can experience what it's like for wellness and cannabis to be one," she says.

The wellness retreats feature a variety of activities, including yoga, meditation and educational workshops on the benefits of cannabis and other plant medicines. These events are part of her broader vision to destigmatize cannabis and integrate it into mainstream wellness practices. "Cannabis is just another plant that has the ability to really heal and make us feel better," Dreka asserts.

‘Lock In On That Vision And Just Go For It’

Dreka's dedication to wellness and cannabis isn't just about personal gain; it's about community empowerment and education. Her path took a significant turn when she and her husband, Kevin Gates, co-founded the Breadwinners Association. Initially a record label, the Breadwinners Association expanded its work into the lifestyle realm, creating a brand that resonated deeply with the Gates’ audience. "It's all about building a solid foundation and creating an organic community," she says.

Dreka Gates. SHANNON LAURINEX

This philosophy seamlessly transitioned into her wellness and cannabis businesses. At Love's Harvest, Dreka aims to provide a sanctuary where people can learn about and experience the benefits of cannabis in a supportive environment. "I want people to walk in and feel like they're being transported to a different place," she explains, discussing her dispensary. In fact, the store is a place reminiscent of Tulum, Mexico, a nod to where her healing journey began, she says.

Dreka's entrepreneurial journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of her vision, despite numerous challenges. She acknowledges the obstacles she has faced, particularly as a woman in a male-predominantly industry like entertainment is. Yet, her experience with cannabis has been different: "Most of the people I interact with in the cannabis space are women," she notes, challenging the perception of cannabis as a male-dominated field. What’s more, Dreka encourages other women to pursue their passions in the industry, emphasizing that they too can create their own space and make a significant impact.

Her background in the entertainment industry has equipped her with unique skills that she applies to her cannabis and wellness ventures. From booking gigs for Kevin at $250 to negotiating six-figure deals, Dreka has honed her business acumen and strategic thinking. These experiences have taught her the importance of risk-taking and staying true to one's vision. "Once you have your vision, lock in on that vision and just go for it," she advises. "Be creative and do what feels good to you."

A Mission To Destigmatize Cannabis

One of Dreka's key initiatives is developing a line of products that combine cannabis with other beneficial herbs and plants. "We're doing an entire line," she says, emphasizing the variety of products she plans to introduce. These products are not only intended for recreational use but are also formulated to address specific health concerns, making them a versatile addition to the wellness market.

Dreka's commitment to education is a cornerstone of her business strategy. She understands that changing perceptions about cannabis requires more than just offering products; it involves educating the public about the plant's benefits and uses. Through Love's Harvest, she aims to provide a space where people can learn about cannabis in a supportive and informative environment. "My intention is to destigmatize the use of cannabis and to make it not so taboo," she explains.

In addition to her product lines and educational efforts, Dreka is also focused on creating community-driven experiences. Her retreats and pop-up events offer participants an immersive experience that combines wellness practices with cannabis education. These events provide an opportunity for individuals to explore the benefits of cannabis in a holistic setting, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the plant.

Dreka Gates. SHANNON LAURINEX

Dreka's approach to business is deeply personal, drawing on her own experiences and passions. She sees herself as a healer at heart, a role that guides her work in both the wellness and cannabis industries. "I'm sharing tools for healing past traumas and achieving full-body wellness. I'm working on sex and love certification, being a doula, and creating educational programs and retreats." This perspective is reflected in her plans for future ventures, which include expanding her reach and influence through collaborations and partnerships.

As cannabis rescheduling becomes more likely, Dreka remains optimistic about the future of the cannabis and wellness industries. She believes that as more people become educated about the benefits of cannabis, societal perceptions will continue to shift, leading to greater acceptance and integration of the plant into mainstream wellness practices. "I'm just here having fun and living out my purpose," she concludes, displaying the joy and fulfillment she finds in her work. "Women should just go for it and create their own space in cannabis."

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This article was originally published on Forbes and appears here with permission. The article is from an external source. It does not represent Benzinga's reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.

Photo by Shannon Laurinex, courtesy of Dreka Gates.