THE MATAWANA STORY

Matawana is Brooklyn’s first Black Woman-Owned dispensary, which started in 2021 as a weed apparel and CBD company committed to the healing capabilities of cannabis. The Matawana Family has been a staple of the Brooklyn community for generations, and now we continue that legacy by opening the doors of our first ever brick-and-mortar store in honor of Donna Mata – devoted mother, fierce advocate, and the #1 Mata-you-Wana party with!

OUR FOUNDER

Leeann Mata is the founder and CEO of Matawana and a lifelong resident of Brooklyn. After receiving two master’s degrees in business and education while raising three children, Leeann began working in public health education, which led her to cultivating CBD and hemp products as health interventions. When marijuana was legalized in New York, Leeann knew she had to carry on her family’s legacy and get involved. Her family was previously touched by the War on Drugs when her father was assaulted by police for marijuana-related offenses, which inspired her mother Donna to become a passionate cannabis advocate before passing away in June 2023. Opening Matawana post-legalization has been a full circle moment for Leeann, and she can’t wait to reach community members all over Brooklyn with her product, passion, and knowledge of all things cannabis.