Charles Jones is a long-time proponent of CBD and the cannabis plant. His business, Taboo Treasures prides itself on providing balance and harmony for the mind and body, through the promotion and sale of CBD-oil infused products. Taboo Treasures sells tinctures, roll-ons, solves, bath bombs, and gummies. Purchases can be made from their website and at local pop-ups.
“The cannabis plant is so versatile and has experienced a stigmatized background. We have a lot in common,” explains Jones. “I was born and raised in Detroit, and I’ve seen my share of rough and hard times in the city growing up. But, I emerged through the other side a new individual, with a different purpose and wanting to do more for my culture, and myself.”
“Economic empowerment is something I’m super interested in,” Jones explains how the plant turned his life around. “I started in the medical marijuana community, where I was able to educate patients and bring them together with caregivers. I also participated in some of the workgroups that helped redefine the law in 2010 and 2011. That got me involved in the political process of it all, and I attended many rallies and collected signatures.”
Cannabis laws were successfully changed, making the plant legal in Michigan, but there are still many state restrictions and undefined aspects of the legislation. This makes the industry a tricky path to navigate for many small businesses and individuals, especially with cannabis not being legal on a federal level.
“I founded a business around CBD because it has lower barriers thanks to industrial hemp being legalized federally in 2018. It was financially regulated in Michigan and that afforded me the option to break in that way. As for the plant itself, it’s an eco-friendly, all-natural, non-addictive product. It’s so versatile and can be used in so many ways that are beneficial to society. I’m so excited and enthused about the cannabis plant and the industry.”
“It’s such a gift that we’re able to sell such an incredible product,” Jones says. “But we’re constantly talking to the community and industry, and trying to stay up to date with all the legislation. Even with selling CBD our business still isn’t safe based on the way everything shifts and changes. And if we want to get into different aspects of the cannabis plant, we all have to work together to make it a safe space for everyone.”
Taboo Treasured registered as an LLC in 2021. “I have three other people that help with the business and I need to acknowledge them because I can’t do this alone,” says Jones. “Kenneth Andrews and Jacqueline Andrews help me with pop-up shops and sales. We also have an amazing IT woman named Cecille Johnson who literally keeps our operation running. And I can’t forget about Tamone Wood, he’s a barber who has been instrumental in terms of support. You have to have a community if you’re going into business, and they’re the best of the best.”
“I also had so much help from my ProsperUs teacher Marvin. He was able to fill in a lot of blanks to make Taboo Treasures a more innovative brand, with strategy and helping me understand business and entrepreneurship better.”
While Jones loves the plant and industry he notes that it still has a long way to go to right a lot of wrongs done to Detroit and the Black community. “The black community was one of the first peoples that used cannabis as medicine. And if we’re being honest, as economic supplement while the plant was illegal. This plant plays such a huge part in Black lives and it’s more than just profit and talk. It’s experience and rebirth.”
He also takes notes of many organizations and initiatives that both the state and city have put forth to remedy past issues; Social Equity Program, JVP Program, Detroit Legacy Program, and the lawsuit that was unconstitutional.
“It’s so important to stay up and educated about what’s going on,” Jones advises to those looking to get into the cannabis industry. “Because the most important thing in this industry, is understanding the shifting landscape that is the legislation. To do that soak up as much knowledge and information as you can through the internet, professionals, community, and books. But always confirm your source because one wrong move is detrimental.”
Jones also has amazing plans for the cannabis plant in regards to his community. “It’s an amazing plant. It helps with so many things with general wellbeing and health, but it can all do so much for society and the world.”
“It can be used as clothing, biogas, bioplastics, and hempcrete. It’s so versatile. It’s a great industry to be in for innovators and entrepreneurs but it HAS to include everyone. There’s so many niche aspects in the business with the way it’s developing. It’s an amazing space for growth right now, it’s amazing for the planet, and it’s great for capitalism. We’re at the crossroads for politics and economy with the plant. We have the opportunity to change a lot of evils that have been going on, while at the same time encouraging and allowing economic growth to take place.”
Charles Jones runs Taboo Treasures which sells CBD-oil infused products. Purchase products on their website or at local pop-ups.
