Rooted in Vermont’s Hip-Hop Culture: Inside Tao Labs

Brattleboro and Saxtons River might not immediately strike one as cannabis hubs, but nestled within the lush landscapes of Vermont, a thriving cannabis business has taken root. Founded by Jamie Tao and Sam Neill, Tao Labs is more than a cultivation facility; it’s a testament to entrepreneurship, perseverance, and the evolving cannabis landscape in the Green Mountain State. Jamie Tao, a Brattleboro local with roots in Taiwan, and Sam Neill, a Nigerian Vermonter who can trace back generations in Saxtons River, joined forces to establish Tao Labs with a shared goal: to create a cannabis brand deeply rooted in Vermont’s hip hop culture. Their journey into the cannabis industry wasn’t solely driven by profit but by a profound connection to their community and a desire to bring a superior product to the emerging legal market. Tao emphasized a commitment to the highest quality of flower possible, sharing that he can easily tell apart strains during blind flower testing. Although he remained modest about his abilities, he said he only produces top-tier products that he would consume personally. He attributes to a Vermont ethos of quality over all else in everything it produces, whether it be cheese, beer, or cannabis, all...