Let’s start at the beginning — what’s the origin story of SWAY?
SWAY is the result of decades of activism, friendship, and a shared belief that cannabis equity is essential. Long before opening our doors, Edie Moore was already leading the fight for cannabis reform as a co-founder of Chicago NORML and the Illinois Minority Cannabis Business Association. Meanwhile, Art Johnston and José “Pepe” Peña spent decades building inclusive spaces at Sidetrack, one of the country’s most iconic queer bars, while advancing LGBTQ+ rights across Illinois.

Together, we saw an opportunity to create something that didn’t yet exist: a dispensary rooted in representation, built by and for the communities most impacted by the war on drugs and systemic exclusion. SWAY is queer-owned, Black- and Latino-owned, veteran-owned, and unapologetically committed to equity.

April marked SWAY’s first birthday — congrats! How would you reflect on your first year in business, and what are your goals for Year Two?
Year one has been bold, beautiful, and full of lessons. We built a space that reflects the joy and resilience of our communities — from our curated product mix to our gallery wall honoring LGBTQ+ and BIPOC cannabis pioneers. We’ve welcomed thousands of customers, hosted unforgettable events, and proven that equity-driven businesses can thrive with heart and intention.

Looking ahead, Year Two is about expanding access. We’re preparing our South Shore location, which will be the first Black-owned dispensary in a predominantly Black Chicago neighborhood. We’re deepening partnerships with minority-owned brands, building out our exclusive product line, and continuing to create safe spaces where everyone feels seen, respected, and celebrated.

As Illinois’ first queer-and BIPOC-owned dispensary, what does Pride Month mean to you? Do you have any plans to celebrate or commemorate it?
Every month is Pride around here! The cannabis legalization movement wouldn’t exist without queer activists who fought for safe access during the AIDS epidemic. And black and brown trans women led the charge for queer rights. Pride is a reminder that our business exists because people like us refused to wait for permission to be free. Pride is a protest and is how we realize our power.

This year, we’re celebrating Pride the SWAY way: with community events, partnerships with queer-owned brands, consumption nights, and collaborations that center joy, equity, and unapologetic representation. And of course, we’ve launched FROZÉ edibles inspired by Sidetrack’s legendary slushies.

Let’s not forget that Juneteenth celebrations also happen in June. Freedom was delayed. Recognition was too. But we’re still here. We honor Juneteenth AND Pride Month by continuing the fight. In this current political climate, that is important to remember.

What sets SWAY apart in Illinois’ cannabis landscape?
We’re independent. We’re intentional. And we grew directly out of the communities we serve. SWAY was designed from day one to reflect the people historically excluded from ownership and access. Our product selection prioritizes small-batch, minority-owned, women-owned, and queer-owned brands. Our staff reflects our community—knowledgeable, diverse, and welcoming.  We’re not trying to be everything to everyone—we’re building a dispensary that feels like home, like our communities have always done.

If you could share one message with policymakers about Illinois’ cannabis industry, what would it be?
Social equity can’t survive on good intentions or one law alone. To live up to its promise and potential, we need real structural support: access to capital, competitive taxation, protections for independent operators, and streamlined licensing processes that allow diverse entrepreneurs to compete and grow. We’ve proven what’s possible—but without sustained investment in equity applicants, the promise of this industry risks becoming performative. We need policymakers to match intention with action.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about SWAY—your team, your mission, your vision, or what’s next?
We’re incredibly proud of what SWAY represents. Our team shows up every day to create joyful, stigma-free access to cannabis while honoring the activists and organizers who made this industry possible. We hope to be a model for what true representation can feel like.
And we’re just getting started.