Nicole N’diaye is CEO of hemp cultivation company NAHE LLC and founder of hemp brand Bossiee Budz. She answered eight simple questions for NY Cannabis Insider’s “People to know” series.
What is your position and what do you/your company do in the cannabis space?
I’m CEO of NAHE LLC, founder of Bossiee Budz, and affectionately known as “The GODMOTHER of Cannabis.” As a mother of two and a trailblazer in the industry, I am currently an adult-use cultivator transitioning into a fully inaugurated micro license. Through Bossiee Budz, I offer personal home grower programming, including beginner kits and educational home cannabis cultivation guides. I also teach a cannabis course at Medgar Evers College at CUNY.
I serve as the co-chair of the Cannabis and Hemp Committee for Black Farmers United. Finally, I am on the board of directors of the Cannabis Association of New York (CANY) helping to shape the future of cannabis policy and education in New York, as well co-chair of the CANY NYC committee.
How long have you worked in the cannabis space?
My professional journey in cannabis began in 2016 when I got my medical card and subsequently obtained a hemp license in 2018. Now, I manage and hold ten hemp licenses across 12 farms with NAHE LLC. Through Bossiee Budz, I cultivate cannabis, offer home grow education and serve as a leading pro-home grow advocate.
What did you do before you were involved in the cannabis industry?
I’m from New York so I am a natural-born hustler. Before cannabis, I was a real estate developer, computer engineer, and CAD and social services. I always manage to have some sort of business venture going on while managing a career. I consider myself a serial entrepreneur.
What led you to the cannabis industry?
My entry into the cannabis industry was sparked by my own experiences as a medical cannabis user, where spending $1,000 on treatments made me realize the economic potential of the legal market. As a grower, I saw an opportunity to manage my medical expenses more effectively and contribute to the industry by providing education and high-quality product.
Do you have any advice for someone looking to get into the NY weed industry?
Thoroughly vet potential partners by searching their names with the word ‘fraud’ to see what comes up. As a wise woman said, if the big names like Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos aren’t backing someone promising you millions, it’s probably unrealistic. Focus on creating a solid business plan, financial projections, and a compelling pitch deck. Get a proper valuation of your business idea.
What do you think the NY cannabis ecosystem will look like in five years?
I envision a balanced ecosystem with controlled measures against illicit stores, where New York is known for cultivating some of the best cannabis, setting a standard as other states go legal, along with more accessibility for those interested in home grow cultivation.
Do you use cannabis? If so, what’s your favorite method and why?
Yes, I use cannabis and consider myself a connoisseur. My preferred methods include using flower seasoned with Fonto, along with capsules, butters, tinctures in R&D with Boujee Stoner, and gummies. These methods have helped me manage pain, insomnia, and mental health more effectively than traditional prescriptions.
What’s the best method for people to contact you?
Interested parties can reach me via email at [email protected], on Instagram at Bossiee_Budz, or by texting 516-274-7112. I am always open to engaging in meaningful discussions and partnerships in the cannabis space.