Flower Power Spotlight: Free My Weedman Turns Streetwear into a Movement for Cannabis Justice
In this week’s Flower Power feature, we’re proud to highlight Kristal Bush, a Philadelphia-based activist and entrepreneur who is rewriting the narrative around cannabis justice through her grassroots campaign and streetwear brand, Free My Weedman.
What began as a hashtag has since grown into a full-blown movement—merging fashion, advocacy, and community organizing into one bold campaign. Kristal joined us to share how Free My Weedman is mobilizing people impacted by the War on Drugs, pushing for meaningful policy change, and creating space for healing through activism.
A Hashtag, A T-Shirt, A Campaign for Change
Free My Weedman was born out of frustration, and vision. After running a prison van service for ten years to reunite families with incarcerated loved ones, Kristal attempted to enter the legal cannabis market. What she found instead were high barriers to entry and an industry that was actively excluding the very communities it once criminalized.
“I didn’t know I needed a license or a million dollars to start a legal delivery service,” she said. “Meanwhile, Black and brown folks were still behind bars for cannabis.”
So she created a hashtag. That hashtag became a t-shirt. And the t-shirt became a spark for conversation and action. Today, Free My Weedman is a social justice campaign that advocates for expungement, drafts cannabis legislation in Pennsylvania, and provides education and support to justice-impacted individuals.
Streetwear with a Purpose
Kristal describes the brand as a uniform for advocates. Whether it’s a tote bag at the airport or a hoodie on the street, Free My Weedman gear invites conversation and raises awareness wherever it goes.
“It’s about creating safe spaces and when someone sees that shirt and says, ‘My weedman got locked up,’ or ‘My brother’s in for cannabis,’ it opens the door to share stories,” she said. “And the brand helps fund our advocacy efforts like organizing record-clearing events or helping people get medical marijuana cards.”
Cannabis Day at the Capitol: Advocacy in Action
A major moment for Kristal’s most recently was Cannabis Day at the Capitol, held on June 23 in Harrisburg, PA. She’s brought together over 30 organizations, from maternal health groups to cannabis businesses, to show that the tax revenue from cannabis should be reinvested in the very communities harmed by prohibition.
“People often think cannabis justice is separate from other issues,” she explained. “But we’re connecting the dots—showing how the revenue from this industry can support broader social impact work.”
The event also amplifies voices like that of Joseph Acres, who is serving 16 years in prison for cannabis. His son will be there to speak on his behalf.
Looking Ahead: Into Dispensaries and Prisons
Kristal has ambitious goals for Free My Weedman. While the brand is already in select dispensaries in New Jersey and active through pop-ups, she hopes to expand even further—especially into prisons.
“I want to create spaces inside prison walls for dialogue and healing,” she said. “So many are still incarcerated for cannabis, and their stories deserve to be heard.”
How to Get Involved
Want to support the movement? In addition to buying merch, supporters can sign petitions, volunteer for rallies, and stay connected through Instagram and Free My Weedman’s Linktree. The organization also works closely with partners like DACO and Black Cannabis Week.
To learn more, visit freemyweedman.com and follow the movement on Instagram @freemyweedman. Stay tuned for more Flower Power stories as we continue to spotlight the people pushing the cannabis industry forward with purpose.
Would your organization or business like to be featured on the LeafLink Flower Power series? Do you know of an organization that is working to better the cannabis industry or their local community? We’d love to hear about it, please email us at Marketing@LeafLink.com.
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