Denver’s Robert Gray Intersects Local Art and CannabisPosted by MMP News AuthorOn January 8, 2021

Robert Gray moved to Denver in 2017, in part for Colorado’s weed. Growing up in the Midwest — first Chicago and later Milwaukee — he knew that being caught with cannabis in a state where the plant was illegal could come with legal consequences he didn’t want to risk. He quickly found work in the cannabis industry here, first as a budtender at Starbuds, then as a sales representative and, later, a community engagement specialist at Craft Extracts, a position that introduced him to the world of marijuana marketing.

During his time in the notoriously un-diverse cannabis industry, Gray, who is Black, encountered racist behavior. He was called the N-word during his first week as a budtender, and although the incident was addressed, Gray recognized that this state’s marijuana industry has a long way to go when it comes to inclusion and social equity.

Incorporating his love of art with his marketing knowledge, Gray is now at the intersection of marketing, street art and cannabis. The founder of Rob the Art Museum — a business that connects local artists with companies looking to incorporate visual art into their brand — he’s also the chief marketing officer for IRL Art, a similar…

Robert Gray moved to Denver in 2017, in part for Colorado’s weed. Growing up in the Midwest — first Chicago and later Milwaukee — he knew that being caught with cannabis in a state where the plant was illegal could come with legal consequences he didn’t want to risk. He quickly found work in the cannabis industry here, first as a budtender at Starbuds, then as a sales representative and, later, a community engagement specialist at Craft Extracts, a position that introduced him to the world of marijuana marketing.

During his time in the notoriously un-diverse cannabis industry, Gray, who is Black, encountered racist behavior. He was called the N-word during his first week as a budtender, and although the incident was addressed, Gray recognized that this state’s marijuana industry has a long way to go when it comes to inclusion and social equity.

Incorporating his love of art with his marketing knowledge, Gray is now at the intersection of marketing, street art and cannabis. The founder of Rob the Art Museum — a business that connects local artists with companies looking to incorporate visual art into their brand — he’s also the chief marketing officer for IRL Art, a similar…