Breaking the Stigma by Charlena Berry: A Must-Read for Cannabis Retailers

Racism, the Opioid Endemic, Lies, and Inviting Grandma to the Dispensary

By CHARLENA BERRY

"Charlena Berry literally wrote the book on .how to succeed in cannabis retail - and made sure to educate them. Covering The War on Drugs, racist policies and more, not only will you know why this plant and its industry are essential but Charlena also gives you strategies for success so you can survive in this industry." - Ishqa

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Why Breaking the Stigma by Charlena Berry Matters in Cannabis Retail

If you’re working in cannabis retail or thinking about entering the space, Breaking the Stigma by Charlena Berry should be required reading. It’s not just a how-to book—it’s a bold, necessary guide that weaves together cannabis strategy, racial justice, and personal experience with the opioid crisis.

Charlena Berry, a Fortune 500 business executive turned cannabis advocate, offers more than just business advice. She challenges the reader to understand the systemic harm caused by the War on Drugs and gives you the tools to build a sustainable business while helping heal those harms.

What You’ll Learn in Breaking the Stigma

Cannabis Retail Strategy That Actually Works

Berry gives real-world strategies for building a profitable dispensary rooted in customer experience, community understanding, and data-driven insights. Whether you’re a budtender looking to grow or an owner planning expansion, her advice is clear, practical, and based on decades of retail leadership.

Addressing Racism and the War on Drugs

Unlike most business books, Breaking the Stigma doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths. Charlena dives deep into how racist policies and biased systems have shaped public perception of cannabis—and how that legacy still affects today’s industry. She makes a compelling case for why cannabis justice must be part of your business model.

Healing from the Opioid Epidemic Through Cannabis

Charlena’s personal experience with the opioid crisis adds urgency to her work. She shares openly about the loss that drives her advocacy, making a powerful argument for cannabis as part of a compassionate, realistic response to addiction in this country.

Who Should Read Breaking the Stigma by Charlena Berry?

If you’re in cannabis retail, this book is for you. That includes:

• Budtenders who want to deepen their knowledge and advance their careers

• Dispensary owners seeking to increase sales and connect with their communities

• Entrepreneurs preparing to launch in newly legal states

• Advocates, educators, and policy changers looking for a business-forward approach to justice

“Charlena Berry literally wrote the book on how to succeed in cannabis retail—and made sure to educate them. Covering the War on Drugs, racist policies, and more, not only will you know why this plant and its industry are essential, but Charlena also gives you strategies for success so you can survive in this industry.”— Ishqa

Where to Buy Breaking the Stigma

You can find Breaking the Stigma: Racism, the Opioid Endemic, Lies, and Inviting Grandma to the Dispensary by Charlena Berry on Amazon.

Final Thoughts on Breaking the Stigma by Charlena Berry

Charlena Berry’s book doesn’t just teach you how to thrive in cannabis retail—it reminds you why this work matters. Her voice is strong, clear, and full of wisdom earned through both success and loss. If you’re ready to build something meaningful in this industry, Breaking the Stigma will help guide your path.