As marijuana has become legalized, decriminalized, medical, and/or increasingly recreational across more than half the nation, the "neighborhood guy" is a role that's disappearing. So how can people with a passion and some knowledge of cannabis culture get in on the action? What are some ways you can be on the winning side of America's new money trees?

I reached out to my good friend Kamani Jefferson of Cannabis Cultural Association. Over the past year, I've watched him and his girlfriend, Harvard Alum Sonia Espinosa, carve out a unique lane for themselves in the game. I wanted to know more about the journey and where they found cash flow and income stream.

Eat.Me.Land is a company that specializes in gourmet edibles, and an interest in the fast changing laws and statutes regarding the plant grabbed his attention. Kamani combined his passion for the flower and his knack for hustle to become a founding member of Cannabis Cultural Association. Their non-profit goal was to bring more diversity into the legal marijuana business and educate people of color in particular about the laws and their rights in regard to marijuana in America. They put on events where they gathered dispensary owners, advocacy workers, and fellow enthusiasts. The events were wildly successful and more opportunity would follow.

Not satisfied resting on his laurels, Kamani turned his head to where he could make an even greater impact, the political sphere. Not afraid to start from the bottom, Kamani got his in as a field advisor and quickly rose to a paid position within the campaign. He would soon become an integral part of marijuana legalization in Massachusetts.

Since then, Cannabis Cultural Association has continued to grow and bud, doing more events, traveling and partnering with other groups, and spreading the good word and the legal breakdown on all things green. Our conversation was inspiring and enlightening and opened my mind to ways of making money from the plant legally. We spoke on businesses that touch the plant, to ancillary services that can be provided--ranging from marijuana photography, graphic design, marketing, events, and so on. Even how it can be wise to invest not just in the plant, but also in companies that specialize in grow equipment, rolling papers, and head shops.

The world is changing and there are always ways to use your skills to know how to carve a unique lane for yourself, like Kamani did. You can make a difference and make money doing the things you love. Now put that in your pipe and smoke it.