Here’s How Women Changed Cannabis

• The first humans who used cannabis for medicinal purposes were very likely women
• Women have pioneered cannabis use and research throughout history, beginning at least 4,000 years ago
• Today, some of the most successful cannabis brands are led by women
• Women in cannabis have often focused on sustainability, normalization, advanced medical research, and superior design
• The top female-led cannabis companies in North America include Dr. Solomon’s, Wana, Miss Grass, Etain Health, Her Highness, Mary’s Medicinals, and Kiva Confections
• You can buy many cannabis products manufactured by women-owned cannabis companies at RISE dispensaries

In popular culture, marijuana consumption has been long associated with young, carefree men, but the legal cannabis industry owes a lot to women. Ever wondered about the role women have played in the history of this miraculous plant? Read on to learn about the fascinating history of women in cannabis and some of the leading women in the industry today.

Did you know, for example, that one of the industry’s female pioneers, Dina Browner, inspired a successful TV show (Weeds)? Browner opened one of the first cannabis dispensaries in California, but she was nowhere near the first female leader of cannabis.

As we celebrate Woman’s History Month and International Woman’s Day, we want to look at some of the awe-inspiring females that led the way in the world of cannabis starting thousands of years ago.

3000 to 1000 BC Mesopotamia

Between the years 3000 and 1000 BC, the matriarchal, polytheistic societies of Mesopotamia revered women, goddesses, and plants, including cannabis. But after monotheistic, patriarchal invaders took over, female healers began to be persecuted as witches and the harmonious history of women and cannabis was over, at least for a couple of millennia. [Source]

Ancient Egypt

Hatshepsut ruled Egypt as pharaoh from approximately 1479 to 1458 BCE. She was one of the few women to rule the country in her own right and some believe that she used marijuana to ease menstrual pain. There’s also evidence that in Ebers Papyrus, an ancient Egyptian medical text that dates back to approximately 1550 BCE, there are mentions of using cannabis to ease the pain during childbirth. [Source]

The Dark Ages

During the last stretch of the Dark Ages, in the 12th century, German philosopher Hildegard of Bingen started growing hemp and writing treatises on herbal medicine. Many modern scientists praise Hildegard for her accurate views about the medical benefits of cannabis.

18-19th Centuries

Women regained a prominent role in cannabis history again after Napoleon´s invasion of Egypt, when numerous female intellectuals started experimenting with the hashish the conquerors brought back to Europe. [Source]

Even though marijuana use was prohibited during her reign, Queen Victoria is known to have used marijuana tinctures prescribed by her physician Dr. J.R. Reynolds for menstrual pain and sleep improvement. [Source]

20th Century

Margaret Mead was a renowned American cultural anthropologist who made significant contributions to the field of ethnography. She is also known for her advocacy of marijuana legalization, which was considered controversial at the time. [Source]

In 1969, Mead testified before Congress in support of legalizing cannabis for medical purposes. However, her statement that marijuana should be legal for individuals as young as sixteen was sensationalized by the media, leading to the mockery of her position and undermining her credibility.

Mead’s ideas about cannabis were based on her extensive research on cannabis use in different cultures.

In her 1962 book “Coming of Age in Samoa,” Mead wrote about the use of cannabis

among young Samoan men. She described how these men would gather together in the evenings to smoke cannabis and talk about their experiences and feelings. Mead suggested that this practice helped the young men to bond and develop a sense of community.

Overall, Mead’s work on cannabis helped to shed light on its cultural significance and its role in various societies. She argued that cannabis was not inherently good or bad unless overused and her insights continue to form our understanding of cannabis use today.

21st Century

In the 21st century, women are taking back the leading role they had lost. Now, some of the top cannabis companies and industry lobbying groups are led by women. Ready to meet some of them? Here we go!

Women-led Cannabis Brands

In the world of cannabis, not only the most coveted plants are female; some of the coolest products are produced by companies led by women. If you want to support amazing female entrepreneurs by trying out their fabulous cannabis ointments, luxury paraphernalia, and top-quality flower, this guide is just for you.

You can find products from all of these female-led brands at RISE dispensaries. Go to your local dispensary and select one of the women-owned brands in this list on the sidebar to discover quality marijuana flower, concentrates, lotions, and edibles and support women in cannabis.

Dr. Solomon’s

Founded by Laura and Rebecca Brown, the daughters of Dr. Diane Solomon, a famous medical researcher, Dr. Solomon’s is dedicated to developing cannabis products based on rigorous scientific research. The original Dr. Solomon was instrumental in developing the modern guidelines for early detection of cervical cancer. Now, sisters Laura and Rebecca honor their mother’s legacy by producing cannabis oils, balms, lotions, and drops to help with multiple conditions, rejuvenate, and energize mind and body. Their comprehensive product range is widely available from RISE dispensaries all over the country.

Secret tip: Dr. Solomon’s 1:1 Restore Lotion, a balanced CBD/THC product, can help relieve chronic pain, muscle and joint pain, and reduce inflammation.

Consumers have recently commented, “Eases the pain of muscle spasms from sciatica. . . Just a fantastic product! This is 100 times better! Doesn’t have an odor, works quickly, lasts longer per application, and it’s worth the price.”

Mindy’s

Founded by James Beard award-winning chef Mindy Segal, Mindy’s is one of the top-selling edibles brands in several states. Segal recently partnered with Cresco Labs to expand her company’s operations. Mindy’s edibles are perfectly dosed with the kind of culinary excellence that can satisfy the most demanding consumer.

With a track record as a successful chef, the company’s mastermind feels totally at home in the world of cannabis, delivering consistent effects paired with fabulous, unexpected flavors. If you are looking for precision dosing and extraordinary taste, Mindy’s will not disappoint you.

Secret tip: Their Honey Sweet Melon Gummies are a winner.

Miss Grass

Founded by Kate Miller and Anna Duckworth, Miss Grass is run by an all-female team. The company produces sustainably grown, premium cannabis products in stylish packaging. Their goal is to make the community more inclusive and foster connections between cannabis enthusiasts.

Together, Miller and Duckworth raised $4 million in capital to launch Miss Grass called “the Goop of cannabis” by W Magazine. If you are looking for superior quality cannabis with a feminine touch, Miss Grass is for you.

Secret tip: Try their Quiet Times pre-roll for a relaxing, terpene-rich, potent Indica experience.

Wana

Recently acquired by Canopy Growth for $297.5 million, Wana Brands was co-founded by CEO Nancy Whiteman, who has kept her position following the 2021 acquisition. At the time the deal was announced, Whiteman’s company was the number one cannabis edibles brand in North America based on market share.

Whiteman started Wana Brands in 2010. From Colorado to Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Illinois, Maryland, Florida, Massachusetts, four other U.S. states, and nine Canadian provinces, the company grew steadily as marijuana legalization expanded. Their top sellers include Peach Bellini and Assorted Sativa gummies.

Secret tip: Try their Raspberry Hybrid Sour Gummies to enjoy their juicy and tart flavor and terpene-enhanced balanced effects.

Buy Weed from Women

Acclaimed Black poet Jasmine Mans created BWFW to promote and support women in the cannabis industry. Owned and operated by Black women, this New Jersey-based design house commercializes T-shirts, tote bags, and other apparel that advocates for supporting female entrepreneurs and the legalization of cannabis.

Its ‘Good Weed Good Women’ campaign raised funds for the New York City Food Bank by selling apparel with positive messages about women in cannabis. In Jasmine’s own words, “[Women in the industry] are teaching each other, and they’re not trying to run a monopoly. They are trying to become wealthy businesswomen. And then they are trying to teach all that they know. These are the women who have integrity. . . Buy Weed From Women is the mantra that represents this. I’m trying to build this company up in a way that shows that level of integrity, that level of charity, and that sisterhood.”

Secret tip: Ready to make a statement with some beautiful apparel? We love BWFW’s “FREE THE PEOPLE AND FREE THE PLANT” tote bag.

Etain Health

Founded by Hillary Peckham, alongside her sister and her mother, Etain Health was created after the family looked into medical cannabis to help Hillary’s grandmother, who was suffering from ALS. Since New York rolled out medical marijuana legislation in 2015, Etain has been commercializing quality cannabis ointments, lozenges, powders, tinctures, capsules, vapes, and sprays.

For several years, the company was the only women-helmed medicinal cannabis provider in the State of New York. Now, following a $247 million acquisition by Canada’s RIV Capital, Hillary’s mother, Amy Peckham, has stepped down as CEO, but the company has vowed to maintain its mission of promoting women’s leadership in the cannabis industry. In 2020, Etain collaborated with Buy Weed from Women on their Good Weed Good Women campaign.

Secret tip: Patients with a THC recommendation often opt for Etain’s FORTE Capsules, which have a small percentage of CBD to balance the THC’s effects.

Her Highness

Laura Eisman co-founded Her Highness, a luxury cannabis brand, following her splash as the founder of e-fashion company Girlshop, which she turned into a $5 million business after starting with a $5,000 investment. Her Highness focuses on THC, CBD, and cannabis accessories designed by women for women. It caters to an audience of female cannabis consumers who want to add a touch of glamour to their marijuana experience.

During the COVID pandemic, the company launched a special pre-roll collection in partnership with the Last Prisoner Project, a women-led advocacy effort to support women facing cannabis convictions and end incarceration over cannabis-related violations.

Secret tip: Her Highness Intimate Oil is one of the brand’s most popular products.

Mary’s Medicinals

Founded and led by Dahlia Mertens, Mary Jane’s Medicinals is one of the most successful cannabis topical makers in the U.S. Mertens was a pioneer in the world of cannabis-infused topicals, launching her company in 2009.

This women-owned cannabis brand utilizes clean extraction methods and offers a variety of popular transdermal and topical products, as well as vapes and other forms of cannabis. Mary’s Medicinals has been praised for developing potent, scientifically tested products.

Secret tip: The company’s Transdermal CBN Patches deliver a powerful cannabinoid mix through the skin within 15-30 minutes, and its effects can last up to 12 hours.

Kiva Confections

Founded by Kristi Knoblich Palmer alongside her husband, Kiva was inspired by a visit to a local chocolatier, following which Kristi began experimenting with cannabis-infused chocolate bars. Partnering with expert cultivators and celebrated confectioners, Kiva went on to produce delicious gummies, chocolates, and candy bars. The company’s chocolate bars remain among its top sellers.

Secret tip: Their Dark Blackberry Chocolate Bar is wildly popular.

Meet Influential Women at GTI

Alyssa Marshall

Senior Analytical Chemist – 4 Years at GTI

“I’ve been with GTI for a little over 4 years. This is my first job in the industry. My title is Senior Analytical Chemist. I’m based out of Danville, Pennsylvania where I am in charge of maintaining the analytical laboratory. We run a variety of tests on cannabis, such as determining the potency, or the THC percentage of different products. We also analyze terpenes, test moisture and perform microbial testing.

My role also allows me to travel across the country to set up new laboratories, train analytical technicians, and troubleshoot equipment. I’ve always been a huge advocate for cannabis legalization. I joined the Danville team when we were around ~20 people strong. I took a big risk (and pay cut) leaving the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry, but now that Danville houses around 200 people, I couldn’t be happier with my decision.”

Alex Adams

Field Marketing Manager – 5 Years at GTI

“I’ll have been with GTI for 5 years in April! I’m a Field Marketing Manager in Pennsylvania—my primary responsibilities are to bring our brands to life by executing events, building relationships, and educating people about the products we sell in our market. I also provide support for our wholesale team to help drive sales and have boots on the ground in the field. But as with most roles in the cannabis industry, I wear many other hats as well.

What inspires me the most about the cannabis industry is the potential for a future where people have full access to this medicinal plant that can provide a multitude of wellness benefits, creating a happier, healthier society. The ripple effect of people being able to function better throughout the day, have a better quality of life, be more present, and be more in tune with their bodies will be a significant impact on our culture, and I want to be a part of that!”

Annie Cunningham

Assistant General Counsel Real Estate – Over Two Years at GTI

In my “day job”, I’m responsible for managing the legal side of all real estate transactions at GTI, including acquisitions, dispositions, financing, and leasing matters. But I recently took on another role – as a founding member of, and part of the Steering Committee for, Women@Green Thumb, an employee resource group that was formed in 2022 to support and inspire the women and female-identifying folks at GTI. 

Women@Green Thumb provides opportunities for women at GTI to prioritize their personal and professional wellbeing, all while finding meaningful connections with their female colleagues. Each month, one of the ERG’s three subcommittees – Mentorship & Professional Development, Health & Wellness, and Financial Wellness – holds a virtual event for the group’s 300+ members.

These events range from covering targeted topics – such as how to use breathwork to manage stress at work and tips for filing personal tax returns – to exploring broader themes – such as how to overcome the barriers women face in the male-dominated cannabis industry and how to identify and develop mentorship opportunities in a hybrid work environment. In addition to these monthly events, Women@Green Thumb’s calendar will soon expand to include volunteer opportunities, in-person networking events, and other social outings for its members – the sky is the limit!

I’m passionate about supporting other women in the workplace, and I hope that Women@Green Thumb will continue to be an important influence on GTI’s culture, open more leadership opportunities for women, and serve as a safe, supportive space for the group’s members to bring their true selves to Green Thumb.

Marie Haido

Buyer – 2 years and 8 Months at GTI

Being a Buyer in cannabis doesn’t just mean sampling a bunch of product (even though it’s an awesome perk of the job). In my role as Buyer, I am lucky enough to be able to work with multiple functions of our business. Buyers work closely with Brand teams, Supply Chain Planning, and Cultivation teams to help get the product our consumers want to our RISE dispensaries. But, what makes RISE truly great is our incredible Retail Team that I work closely with. They help to deliver the best shopper experience in cannabis. Our partners in the stores are what make us great and their feedback is what helps shape what we do!

What do I find rewarding about the cannabis industry? I am grateful to say that my professional career has been in the wellness space, but that wasn’t by accident. I have personally seen cannabis (and yoga!) make a difference. And that is the most rewarding thing about being in the cannabis industry. Knowing how much we are doing to improve peoples lives. Being on the team at Green Thumb and having the opportunity to spread the word on this incredible plant is a blessing!

Shalanda “Shay” Lee

General Manager – 2 years at GTI

I joined the cannabis industry in November 2020 with GTI as a budtender. Every day I come to work, I am introduced to something new and interesting all surrounding the beautiful cannabis plant! Who would’ve thought a single plant could do so much! I’m a General Manager and I have the opportunity of leading/serving a diverse group of leaders, inventory agents and budtenders. Daily, they serve guests with their cool vibes and extensive cannabis knowledge ensuring customers leave with a great experience and the right product to meet their needs.

I have been a recreational consumer for over 20 years and can remember hiding my joy for the plant because it was not widely accepted by others. The cannabis industry is taking the world by storm; I am excited to be a part of the journey promoting wellbeing for all. I have the opportunity of working with some talented individuals and I believe that GTI is well on its way to becoming a Fortune 500 powerhouse!

Yaa Stanley

VP of eCommerce – 2 years at GTI

I’ve been at GTI since November 2021, and this role is my introduction to the cannabis industry. As Vice President of eCommerce, I serve as a digital thought leader, defining the strategy and tactics across RISE’s digital ecosystem, including the website experience, CRM and Rewards, search, and performance marketing. I am responsible for leading my team of rockstars in executing our annual strategy and driving the growth of our company’s largest store: Our Digital Storefront.

I consider myself a lifelong learner, and working in the cannabis industry allows me to seek and gain knowledge about this powerful plant that positively impacts the lives and well-being of so many. This industry also enables me to bring a strong customer focus, as well as retail and eCommerce best practices and proven processes and technology to a space that isn’t as mature as traditional retail, helping to shape the future of cannabis.

Lastly, I feel empowered as an African American woman and executive making a true impact in one of the leading cannabis multi-state operators in the country, serving as a beacon for other Black girls and women behind me to continue striving toward their goals

The Future of Women in Cannabis

Women-owned cannabis brands are changing the landscape, advancing cannabis research, and promoting cannabis-friendly legislation. By de-stigmatizing marijuana products, and making them efficient and approachable, these brands have pioneered the new era of cannabis. The image of teenage boys puffing smoke in a stuffy basement is no longer the first thing that comes to mind when we think of marijuana.

Women are consuming more cannabis products and contributing more to the cannabis industry every day, and we are here to stay.

Happy Woman’s History Month, everyone!