Flower Power: How Calyxeum is Building Bridges for Social Equity in Cannabis
In this week’s Flower Power Series, we sat down with Rebecca Colett—founder of the Detroit Cannabis Project (DCP) and CEO of Calyxeum—to talk about grit, growth, and giving back. From learning how to grow on YouTube to launching one of Michigan’s most respected cannabis incubators, Rebecca is reshaping what access and equity mean in this industry.
“I didn’t want to just help a few people—I wanted to help thousands.”
– Rebecca Colett
Rebecca’s cannabis journey started as a caregiver, growing small batches of medical cannabis for friends and family who couldn’t find clean, effective products elsewhere. A trained engineer and former tech professional, she saw a new opportunity: to scale her impact and create a path for others to enter the space. That led to the launch of Calyxeum—a licensed cultivation, processing and retail company—and later, the Detroit Cannabis Project.
But DCP isn’t just about Detroit. With cohorts in Michigan, Washington, and California, DCP is a national model for cannabis business education. “We focus on the business side,” Rebecca says. “How to price products. How to build a team. What POS systems to use. Where to get packaging. It’s the stuff no one teaches you, but you absolutely need to know.”
Closing the Knowledge Gap
Rebecca’s work zeroes in on the barriers that keep people from historically excluded communities out of the cannabis industry. “There’s a huge knowledge gap,” she says. “People like cannabis, but they don’t know how to get a job in cannabis—or that there are opportunities beyond the dispensary.”
DCP offers business-forward incubator programs, mentorship, job fairs, and even scholarships in partnership with local colleges to cover the fundamentals of the cannabis industry. The goal? Create pathways that are practical, accessible, and built to last.
Real Stories, Real Impact
One of the most rewarding moments? A spring job fair that resulted in 15 community members landing jobs in cannabis. “I get DMs all the time,” she says. “People saying, ‘Thank you, I have a job now.’ That’s the impact we’re chasing.”
Through Calyxeum, the wins are just as personal. Customers with chronic pain or dietary restrictions have found relief through products thoughtfully designed with them in mind. “We’re not just making gummies,” she says. “We’re making a difference.”
Walking the Talk
What sets DCP apart? Everyone involved has walked the walk. Rebecca and her team aren’t theorizing about the industry—they’re living it. “We’ve maxed out credit cards. We’ve done the background checks. We’ve made it happen with tight margins and relentless regulations,” she explains. “And now we’re passing that knowledge on.”
Building Toward Wellness
Rebecca’s next focus is just as intentional: mental health and wellness for cannabis founders. She’s organizing a “Founders Wellness Series” in Michigan and Maryland—a half-day experience designed to support the humans behind the hustle with mindfulness, sound bowls, and real talk about surviving and thriving in this space.
“It’s not just about equity,” she says. “It’s about sustainability—for your business and your mental health.”
Want to Get Involved?
Whether you’re a new founder, potential mentor, or a brand looking to sponsor, Rebecca and the DCP team want to connect. Visit Calyxeum.com and follow both Calyxeum and the Detroit Cannabis Project on Instagram and LinkedIn to learn more.
And as always, keep following LeafLink for more stories of the people powering the cannabis industry forward.
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🌿 About Flower Power
Flower Power is LeafLink’s ongoing interview series celebrating the change-makers, advocates, and organizations using cannabis to drive positive impact in their communities.