The Women of Cannabis
I like to think that women have always been involved with weed. It’s been growing in their gardens, part of their secret herb stash, and sprinkled in their magical brownies and teas, since the beginning of time. Currently, women make up about 37% of the cannabis industry leadership (according to a 2019 survey by Marijuana Business Daily) ranking higher than the 21 percent national average of women in executive roles in any business.
However, there seems to be some inconsistency when looking at how and in what ways women are involved. For example, while writing this story I found that many women play a part behind the scenes, making it more difficult to determine their involvement on a professional level.
This is why Ladyjane Branding and Wolfe Research & Consulting are leading an ambitious study to explore and document the experiences of women working in the cannabis market. Led by Jennifer Whetzel, the Women in Cannabis Study Report (launched in March of 2022) will provide comprehensive, in-depth data on industry leaders, their cannabis use, their personalities, their sacrifices, and how they define success for themselves.
For example, if we are only looking at the women who have leadership or executive roles in the industry, the percentage may only be a third, but what about all the women who are killing it as budtenders, running a business with their husband/partners, writing books, running podcasts, designing skincare lines, and leading advocacy? What about the scientists, the attorneys, the chefs, the gardeners, and the artists? Are we only looking at the owners and CEO’s? Or are we considering women’s involvement at every level of this complex, always growing, ever-expanding green phenomenon?
One area of the cannabis industry that has shown a tremendous influx of women has been the medical research and development of treatments and products for women’s health.
Hormone fluctuations experienced throughout a women’s life are natural and healthy. However, changes in one’s hormones can also be uncomfortable and even unbearable in some cases, and thus far the medical industry has yet to find reliable or confirmed solutions. Yet history shows that women have been using cannabis to minimize the symptoms of common gynecological conditions, such as PMS and menopause, for centuries.
The most common symptoms of menopause and PMS include pain, changes in body temperature, decreased libido, pain during intercourse, mood swings, and insomnia. Cannabis can be helpful for managing all these symptoms. It helps to stabilize mood and relieves pain, decreases inflammation, and THC can lower body temperature which helps to mitigate hot flashes.
Another condition many women suffer from is Endometriosis, a life-changing condition causing chronic pain. Many women are now turning to cannabis for this condition, as many studies have shown that both CBD and THC are beneficial for symptoms related to the condition.
Another area of women’s health where we see weed making a dramatic difference is in female sexual satisfaction, including levels of desire, arousal, and lubrication. Foria's Chief Brand Educator, Kiana Reeves, is one of the top innovators leading the way in this area of research. “Many of our customers have searched for support and solutions for a wide range of experiences; endometriosis, debilitating cramps, painful sex, menopause, inability to climax, sexual anxiety, vulvodynia, vaginismus, interstitial cystitis to name a few,” explains Reeves. “Non-psychoactive therapies are going to be revolutionary: not just CBD, but the topical use of THC. Minor cannabinoids (most of which are non-psychoactive) with unique healing properties CBG, CBN, THCa, CBDa, etc. The supply chain is still developing for these compounds, but once it matures, the industry will leap to a new level of targeted effects.”
Over the past few years, I’ve spoken to and written about many women who are catalysts for change in the cannabis industry. Such as authors Catherine Hiller, a 68-year-old marijuana-loving writer, and Mary J White, Seattle-based cannabis guru.
Go-getters like Katrina McKinley, the COO for GrowOpFarms, Galadriel Walser, general manager for Buddy Boy Farms, and Danielle Rosellison, owner of Trail Blazin’ Productions.
Women who are running their business alongside their partners like Leslie Olson of Quincy Green, Wendy Bentley of Canna Organix, Bethany Rondeau of Falcanna, Jade Stefano co-founder and CEO of Puffin Farm, and Wendy Hull of Fairwinds.
Washington edible wizards, Jamie Hoffman of Craft Elixirs, and Diana Isaiou of American Baked Co, and author of High Tea: Cannabis Cakes, Tarts and Bakes.
Innovators like Lo Friesen the founder and CEO of Heylo in Seattle, Shanel Lindsay CEO of Ardent out of Boston, and the women of Khemia Manufacturing in CA.
Motivators like Alison Holcomb, who crafted the legal language for Initiative 502, Jessica Archer, the coordinator for the Washington Cannabis Science Task Force, Crystal Oliver executive director of the Washington Sungrower’s Industry Association, Caitlein Ryan, president of the Washington State Cannabis Alliance, and Senator Rebecca Saldaña.
All of these women, and more, are paving the way for strong and inclusive involvement in the cannabis industry such as female-owned Washington grower Constellation Cannabis. As their website says, “with female leadership, we are able to approach challenges and opportunities with a new perspective. From packaging to healthcare, we set new industry standards.” Or as Kyra Reed, the founder of Women Employed in Cannabis (an International Association for Women Working in Cannabis, Psychedelics, Hemp & CBD) says, “Women working in cannabis have a once in a lifetime opportunity to build an industry from the ground up and a table big enough for anyone who wants a seat. We can’t do it alone, but we can do it together.”
If you’re a woman in cannabis, working in any area of the industry, join the conversation. Get involved. Be a catalyst for change.