Clayton is a Mississippi native, born and raised just outside of Jackson. The Gulf Coast became a second home to him while visiting his grandparents who lived in Gulfport. After high school, Clayton spent 20 years in the San Francisco Bay Area before returning to the coast in 2019.

 

Clayton developed a passion for plant medicine while working at the Carnegie Institution as a plant biologist. He left academia to start two California cannabis companies with his partner, making the medicinal effects of cannabis and other plant medicines more accessible to the public.

 

During those roles, Clayton became active in public advocacy promoting patients’ rights, remediating the harm to communities of color, and supporting legacy businesses. The first medical cannabis framework was born in Castro district of San Francisco in 1992 to provide pain relief to HIV patients, many of whom were part of the LGBTQ+ community. As the founder of one of the only queer owned cannabis businesses in San Francisco, Clayton felt a responsibility to preserve the legacy of LGBTQ+ advocacy within the cannabis industry.

 

In 2020 Clayton and his partner founded Seed Theory, a skincare business on the coast which aims to provide access to healthy plant-based wellness products for your face and body.

 

He joined the board of Gulf Coast Equality because he wants to be a visible and proud member of our local, queer community who helps make the Gulf Coast an accepting and supportive place for all who call this beautiful part of the world home.