Cannabis has had the not-so-great distinction of being known as a male-dominated industry with recent reports showing women’s leadership positions having dropped to 27% from 36%. Despite that alarming statistic, the times are evolving as the legalization of cannabis continues to enter new states and countries, and women are stepping up to create a name for themselves in the industry.
There are female-run dispensaries like Magnolia Wellness, CBCB and Hi Fidelity, as well as female-owned companies like Felicity Chen’s all-natural brand Honey Pot, the sisterhood of cannabis-loving women known as the Garden Society and the just-released enthralling vapes by Roam Escapes created by Hema Patel.
“Even though statistically women are the fastest growing cannabis users, people are scared to create a product marketed towards just half of the population,” says Hema. “Traditionally, yes, it has been a very male-dominated industry in the past. The industry is starting to fill with a large number of female executives, which is why there are more female-focused brands coming into the market.”