In the fall of 2019, the first cannabis restaurant, Cannabis Cafe, opened its doors to the progressive West Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles. And it was all built up by a black woman.
In a short 10-year span, Andrea Drummer has managed to pioneer an industry the only way she knows how: by focusing on generational wealth, and keeping her eye on the community as the Executive Chef and head partner of the first weed-infused cafe in America.
Hailing as a South Florida native, Cannabis Cafe, which organically began as a farm-to-table concept, sits on the infamous La Brea Avenue. You can find the best of both worlds on its menu; both comfort food combined with classically trained culinary complexities. Although, the food isn't infused (they aren't legally permitted to do so at the moment), they instead choose to pair its menu items, with curated in-house strains, making it a place where you can quite literally order your chicken vegan nachos, and sativa too.
Drummer's dreams of becoming a chef, were cultivated from a fashion career—and, ironically, a start as an anti-drug counselor. “I found myself preaching the gospel of 'say no to drugs' or that 'cannabis is a gateway drug' (an industry stigma that she considers a major misconception today). That was me."
Deciding to move on from counseling, Drummer found herself still unfulfilled and uninspired. "I was ready to explore a career that utilized my creative ability versus forcing that great part of myself on to other career paths that only fit short-term. I vetted the ideas of food (Le Cordon Bleu) and fashion (FIDM). After one year of the vetting process, I committed myself to a culinary career."
"I was ready to explore a career that utilized my creative ability versus forcing that great part of myself on to other career paths that only fit short-term."
Drummer soon packed her bags, and relocated to California, where she was exposed to a whole new world of cannabis consumers; a world where those who took part in weren't imprisoned, or hiding their usage—and instead, were all progressive, productive, and successful. She took a leap of faith and dove head-first into the very niche, taboo trade, eventually, surpassing expectations of what evolved into a dominant cannabis career.
The hustle took a bit of a detour, as the constant motion and standing took its toll on her body. She began suffering from chronic back pain (which she considers a low point in her career), essentially birthing infusion out of necessity. She looked to it as an alternative way to medicate, versus using prescribed opiates.
The results were almost immediate. And she knew she was into something big.
Before long, her journey evolved into destiny, poetically finding her while doing—and serving—what she grew to love.
"It was four years ago; I was executive producing a project with Spotify called, the Breaking Bread series. They would compile a group of characters to sit around a table and consume a four- to six-course [cannabis-infused] menu that I would prepare for them. I noticed that a lot of them were all industry guys, and had very high tolerance," she says. "I wanted to find a product that aligned with the brand that I was putting forth, and provide the cannabis as well, so we found Lowell (a popular cannabis farm and brand). And it was a match made in heaven: the branding, the product, their care for the product, their attention to detail. I completely fell in love with the brand and they were excited to be able to provide products for me for my dinners."
The partnership worked so well, that shortly afterward, Drummer began introducing products to the likes of Miguel, Ty Dolla $ign, Wale, and Wiz Khalifa. Its success caused a Lowell partner to approach her to recruit her to be the face of lobbying for a West Hollywood consumption license, a license required to sell cannabis in a public space.
And after a long process and working out logistics of an unfamiliar space, they were awarded the license. Soon thereafter, Cannabis Cafe was born.
Her pride beams through her voice as she goes into detail. "Our menu is an offshoot of that [Spotify] experience — pairing the same flavor profiles of the bud that we offer with the cuisine. I have to be very mindful of what flavor profiles I'm putting on the menu. I want to do some really intense flavors, or things that enhance the cannabis experience, while being considerate of what flavors and notes come forward when you partake or indulge in cannabis."
And true to form, Drummer has masterfully pivoted her brand, her experience, her expertise, into an unapologetic monarchy, as she gracefully sits at the head as the first black face of a tabooed and criminally gentrified industry—b.k.a., a literal alchemist exhibition.
Today, Cannabis Cafe's operations have been affected by COVID-19, but Drummer certainly isn't allowing that to pause the vision. “I'm working on product development, initiatives that address mental health in the black community and other brick and mortar ventures that I look forward to announcing!" she proudly boasts.
Additionally, Drummer looks forward to continuing the fight, whether in-house or not, all while pulling up, advocating, and promoting melanated equality in the space.
"When I've done all that I can do, I would hope that I am able to impact generational wealth for black and brown communities. Being named an industry pioneer, challenging perception of the face of consumption, and being a partner of the first cannabis cafe in the U.S., all equate to those polarizing monikers that, at the end of the day, I hope will serve as stepping stones to that end goal."
She smiles.
"Generational wealth. For the culture."
To keep up with Andrea's journey, you can visit the Cannabis Cafe's website, to learn more about its pandemic plans, or follow her on Instagram at @canna_queen71. You can also order her cookbook here.
Feature photo courtesy of Marina Thompson
Charmin Michelle is a southern native and creative spirit who works as a content marketer and events manager in Chicago. She enjoys traveling, #SummertimeChi, and the journey of mastering womanhood. Connect with her on Instagram @charminmichelle.
Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
Watch the full episode below:
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by YouTube/xoNecole
6 Tabletop Sex Positions That'll Unlock You & Bae's Most Primal Desires
Something I will never tire of is finding new ways to bring new layers to intimacy. A wall you use as momentum, a bathroom sink to help you keep your balance as he worships you on his knees, a shower that is usually for cleansing but evolves into a sacred ritual of shared intimacy.
My favorite kind of sex is the kind of sex that prioritizes pleasure and connection. So, technically and thankfully, I can say most of my sex life has been quite pleasurable throughout the years. But the memorable encounters for sure take the cake. One such encounter actually took place on a kitchen counter, and with it unleashed inhibitions in ways I never anticipated while unlocking levels to top-tier sex. And that, that involved a kitchen counter.
Why Kitchen Counter Sex Just Hits Different
What is it about having your hips pressed into the edge of a kitchen counter that lets out something so primal in you? The cool-to-the-touch feel of the countertop against exposed skin as you rise to meet him again and again. The urgency in every movement. The playfulness of repurposing an everyday space for something far more erotic. If you’re looking to bring that energy into your own sex life, keep reading for positions and tips to explore.
1. The Bounce House
They don’t call it Bounce House for nothing. In this position, the penetrating partner lies flat on their back on a sturdy table or counter while the receiving partner straddles them, knees bent and facing away. With their hands gripping the edge of the surface for support, the receiving partner slides or bounces at their own pace, owning the rhythm, the motion, and the view.
According to sex therapist Michael Aaron, Ph.D., who spoke with Women’s Health, the receiving partner placing their legs between their partner’s creates a tighter sensation, while staying fully astride allows for more bounce and range of motion. Either way, this one puts the receiver in full control, and you know we love a good woman on top position. Pleasure and power? Say less.
2. The Bicycle
Well, you know what they say about riding a bike. In the case of this table top position, it's the receiving partner who is the rider...but not in the way you think. While lying back on a sturdy surface or a table, the receiver will bring their knees toward their chest, bending them as if in a cycling motion. The penetrating partner stands at the edge of the surface, grabbing the receiver's ankles, and guides themselves inside, slowly so as to savor the moment. This angle puts everything on display for the penetrating partner while allowing for deep, connected thrusting for the receiver.
To take things up a notch , the receiving partner can touch themselves or flex their thighs to control the depth or the rhythm. Because, who says only one person gets to have control?
3. Counter Offer
How could we be at the table and not use it to eat? Enter: Counter Offer. In this oral-focused sex position, the receiving partner perches on the edge of a counter or table, lying back or sitting upright with legs parted or bent for comfort. The penetrating partner kneels or stands between their thighs, depending on the setup and the kind of attention they’re ready to give. No doubt, this one’s all about access and intention.
With the vulva front and center, the height makes it easier to maintain eye contact, use hands freely for things like breast play or incorporating toys, and take their time with every moan-inducing taste. And that’s on five, six, seven, ATE.
4. Standing Doggy
Standing Doggy is what happens when a classic like doggy style gets an upgrade. Instead of being on all fours on a bed, the receiving partner bends over a hard surface like a table or counter, keeping their hips aligned at its edge. The penetrating partner stands behind and enters from the back, using the angle to go deeper and create a strong, steady rhythm. This one offers maximum control and visual appeal, especially if the penetrating partner reaches around for a little extra clitoral stimulation throughout thrusting.
This angle can get intense quickly, so bonus points if the receiving partner engages their pelvic floor muscles or shifts their weight to adjust how the pressure hits, especially if your goal is to hit that G-spot sweet spot.
5. Top Shelf
Men's Healthcalls this one "Yourself on the Shelf," but we like to call it "Top Shelf" because it's giving full view, full grip, and climax potential that's hard to top. The receiving partner sits on the edge of a sturdy table or counter while the penetrating partner stands in front of them and slowly slides in, thrusting while keeping them in position. From there, legs can wrap around their waist, arms can encircle their back, and the closeness at peak ecstasy? Chef's kiss.
If you have the core strength, add lifting to the menu for the final strokes leading to orgasm. Otherwise, allow the surface to the heavy lifting and enjoy the pleasure.
6. The Thumper
What better way to remind yourself that you're both the snack and the entrée than with a little tableside service courtesy of The Thumper? This position has the receiving partner kneeling on a sturdy table or counter (keyword: sturdy), hands gripping the edge or braced in front for support. The penetrating partner can then either kneel behind them (if there's room for two), or stay anchored on the ground with both feet planted on the floor (similar to the previously mentioned Standing Doggy). It all depends on the mood.
Kneeling on the table offers just the right amount of leverage for deep, steady strokes. The receiving partner can play with tightness by either keeping their knees closer together for a snug grip, or open their knees wider to invite more access, depth, and stretch. The Thumper is versatile that way, and the most important thing? The receiver gets to be the main course. Yum.
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