Celebrating Black-Owned Cannabis: Weekenders Founder Kahlil Lozoraitis

As a local NY dispensary, Maryjane Cannabis is proud to celebrate Black History Month by highlighting the diverse voices shaping New York’s cannabis industry. This month, we’re spotlighting Kahlil Lozoraitis, CEO and Co-Founder of Weekenders Cannabis, a brand redefining what it means to enjoy cannabis.

With a background in marketing and brand building for global companies like Diageo, L’Oréal, Danone, Hershey’s, and Unilever, Kahlil brings a wealth of experience to the cannabis space. Weekenders Cannabis offers artisanal, sun-grown, small-batch cannabis designed to elevate living rather than just intoxicate.

Known for sustainable farming practices and a diverse leadership team, Weekenders represents the future of cannabis that is both mindful and inclusive. At our UES dispensary, we proudly carry Weekenders and are thrilled to showcase Kahlil’s vision as part of our celebration of Black-owned cannabis brands in New York.

1. What inspired you to enter the cannabis industry, and why was ownership important to you?

I didn’t see what I wanted in the marketplace. There were very few brands that felt design-driven and creatively inspired, or that looked to the plant as a way to engage more with the world, not less. Ownership matters because it allows you to lead with a unique perspective and make decisions that stay true to that vision. There are so few Black-owned brands in cannabis that every single one matters in shaping what this industry becomes.

2. As a Black owner, what change or impact do you hope to make within the cannabis industry or your community?

I want to help redefine what leadership looks like in cannabis. My career in advertising showed me that diversity thins out the higher you climb, and cannabis has followed a similar trajectory — especially at the brand level. Being visible as a Black founder and CEO matters, not just symbolically, but structurally. It opens doors and challenges assumptions.

3. What has been your biggest success so far as a cannabis owner?

Building genuine brand love and seeing it play out in real life. I spend a lot of time in dispensaries talking with budtenders and customers. Recently, I watched two customers look up from a kiosk, frustrated that the store was sold out of the Weekenders SKU they wanted. Another time, I stopped by a pop-up and overheard a customer tell his friend, “I’ve got to get off this call — my favorite brand is doing a pop-up.” Moments like that are pure joy. These are powerful reminders that we are building emotional connections to something that is meaningful – not just transactional.

4. What advice would you give to other Black entrepreneurs considering cannabis ownership?

Prepare for resistance, even when it’s quiet. Be adaptable, stay vigilant, and protect your vision. Build a community where you can, but never assume access equals alignment. And while I’m not a Reagan fan, the phrase still applies here: “trust, but verify” — always.

Discover New York’s Best Cannabis Brands at Maryjane Cannabis

Maryjane Cannabis is proud to carry brands like Weekenders that raise the bar for quality, sustainability, and innovation in our UES dispensary. Highlighting leaders like Kahlil reminds us of the importance of representation, excellence, and vision.

As a premier New York City dispensary, we offer high-quality cannabis products while uplifting our community. We celebrate diversity, creativity, and innovation in the cannabis space. Celebrate Black History Month with us, this month and every month!

Place your order today for pickup or delivery, or visit us at our location at 62nd and Lexington and experience the best cannabis in New York.