The Michigan-based cannabis company MKX, in partnership with global accessories and lifestyle brand Blazy Susan, has launched a breast cancer awareness campaign that extends beyond October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This initiative pairs product sales with donations to nonprofit organizations, illustrating the potential role cannabis and ancillary companies can play in supporting cancer care within their communities. A portion of every sale from a new co-branded product line will benefit local Michigan-based charities Gilda's Club and Shades of Pink Foundation, as well as the Chicago-based Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) predicts one in 12 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, identifying it as the second most commonly diagnosed cancer globally and the leading cause of cancer deaths among women. The partnering companies recognize that combating this disease requires sustained, year-round effort rather than attention confined to a single month.
The collaboration originated from Issam Kaoud, founder of licensed Michigan cannabis processor 4K Processing, Inc. (4K), and MKX executives Sam, Omar, and Christian Kaoud, all of whom have immediate family members affected by cancer. They joined forces with Blazy Susan's CEO, Will Breakell, to create a mission-driven initiative against breast cancer. To support the campaign, Detroit-based MKX and 4K, alongside Denver-headquartered Blazy Susan, are introducing a co-branded line of 30-Pack Infused Pre-Rolls. This limited-release product line is expected to sell quickly and will be available at licensed Michigan dispensaries including Puff Cannabis, Pure Cannabis, JARS Cannabis, House of Dank, and King of Budz.
The featured products include the Blazy Susan x MKX 0.5g Liquid Diamond Infused Pre-Roll 30-Pack in Lemon Cherry Gelato, Pink Champagne, and Raspberry Rose cultivars. Personal connections to cancer motivate the partnership; Breakell's mother is a breast cancer survivor, and the company's Director of Impact had a grandmother who survived but a cousin who died from the disease at age 36. The MKX founders were inspired to start their cannabis company after their father used Rick Simpson Oil to treat brain cancer.
"By supporting cancer research, we're working towards a future where breast cancer is a thing of the past," said Breakell. Christian Kaoud, an executive at MKX Oil Co., added, "We at MKX are deeply honored to collaborate with Blazy Susan on such an impactful and meaningful project. As a brand committed to promoting holistic healing through cannabis, this partnership aligns closely with our mission and our hearts. Having personally experienced the loss of a loved one to cancer, this initiative carries profound significance for our team."
This campaign highlights how businesses in the cannabis and psychedelic industries can leverage their economic impact for social good, setting a precedent for corporate responsibility and community support. The Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation, a beneficiary of the initiative, has raised over $50 million since 1985 for research, education, and clinical trials aimed at eradicating breast cancer. More information about the foundation is available at https://www.lynnsage.org.
