Ms. James is the co-founder and CEO of Simply Pure Dispensary and is a leading advocate in the cannabis industry. In 2009, she and her husband, Scott Durrah, became the first African Americans, legally licensed, to own a dispensary. She is also the founder and President of the Cannabis Global Initiative (CGI), a marketing and consulting firm that specializes in diversity development, regulatory framework and marketing. The company is dedicated to consistently providing innovative solutions through strategic alliances and business development surrounding the legalization of cannabis.

Assisting in the development of the policies for medicinal cannabis led to Ms. James’ selection for the Amendment 64 campaign committee which legalized cannabis in Colorado. After legalization, she worked on several of Governor Hickenlooper’s cannabis work groups for edibles, packaging, dispensary operations and communications. Her expertise on cannabis reform, regulation and policy has assisted numerous municipalities including Jamaica, Maryland, and California, in their legalization efforts. Ms. James prior political involvements have included Jared Polis for Congress in Colorado’s CD2 and Lt. Colonel Jay Fawcett for Congress in Colorado’s CD5. In 2008, Ms. James was appointed to President Obama’s National Finance Committee and became one of the largest bundlers of donations for President Barack Obama in Colorado. Ms. James is also a former member of the University of Colorado Alumni Board of Directors. She was recently appointed to Governor Jared Polis’ Transition Team.