DeJuan Scott, a Wichita, Kansas native, is not your everyday budtender. His path to the industry intertwines with the diverse array of interests and experiences that have shaped his life. From playing college football and rugby to lifting weights, wrestling, and participating in crossfit, DeJuan's athletic background is only one aspect of his multifaceted identity. As he prepares to graduate this December with a finance and economics major, DeJuan’s journey in the cannabis industry is set to reach new heights.

Early on, DeJuan’s interests veered towards the physical, immersing himself in sports and fitness. However, after leaving his football career in 2022, he grappled with depression. It was during this challenging period that DeJuan discovered the therapeutic potential of cannabis cultivation. Growing the plant, he says, became a form of meditation that helped him navigate his mental health struggles. The end of his football career felt akin to a breakup, but in its aftermath, he found a new passion and purpose.

Prior to embarking on this career path, DeJuan worked at Walmart while working towards his degree. Now, he's invested in a career in cannabis and plans to utilize his experiences and education to one day start his own brand called "Conversations". DeJuan is a firm believer that cannabis facilitates vulnerability and helps people live in the present with friends and loved ones. He also envisions using his brand as a vehicle to promote mental health resources, particularly for black men, an often-overlooked demographic in mental health discussions.

DeJuan's introduction to cannabis is a story he recounts with both humor and introspection. His first experience was at 13, with his best friend, which resulted in fits of laughter and an unfortunate encounter with a glass door. DeJuan laughingly recalls how he convinced himself he was allergic to cannabis due to the unfamiliar sensation of cottonmouth.

Today, his understanding of cannabis is vastly different. He holds the view that cannabis amplifies one’s personality and serves a purpose in nature and society. He points out its use in cancer treatments and highlights its potential to facilitate vulnerability and healing, arguing that, "God put everything here for a reason. So this beautiful plant is here for a reason."

Working in the cannabis industry has, according to DeJuan, opened numerous doors for him and shattered stereotypes about who consumes cannabis. He sees the industry as a space that brings diverse groups of people together and has even found it a potent tool in discussing faith and Christianity.

On a long weekend, you might find DeJuan outdoors, hiking or golfing, or delving into another new activity. He finds joy in a wide array of experiences, keeping life fresh and exciting. When it comes to cannabis, DeJuan is decidedly a “joint guy”, preferring flower and products rich in his favorite terpenes Linalool and Pinene. His favorite strain in the Missouri market is Blueberry Muffin from Sinse but Local cannabis is growing on him.

DeJuan's future is shaped by his ambition and his passion for community service. In five years, he hopes to launch his cannabis brand, buy a home, and start a family. Ten years from now, he sees himself thriving in his business while exploring new ventures. Looking two decades ahead, his goal is to own a school and teach financial literacy to young people, particularly young black men. He believes this could help combat depression by addressing poverty and fostering a shift from a survival mindset to a thriving one.

DeJuan Scott’s journey from the football field to the cannabis industry illustrates the potential of personal transformation. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, the therapeutic potential of cannabis, and the importance of being introspective. As he continues his path in the cannabis industry, there's no doubt that he'll continue to inspire and break boundaries.