What is your opinion about the role of women in the cannabis sector?
As a woman in the cannabis industry since 2015/16, I’ve often found myself wondering, “Am I the only woman?” Fast forward to today, I’m proud to say I’m part of a close-knit, supportive community of over 700 women in cannabis, many of whom are leading the charge forward despite ongoing imbalances in numbers, salaries, and opportunities. But why is this still the case?
The male-dominated nature of the cannabis industry stems from its roots in cultivation, where historically male-owned companies took the lead in the hemp market. As cultivation and processing grew in importance, so did the “Dude Bro” network, which often prioritized connections over qualifications. This led to many non-qualified individuals assuming decision-making C-suite roles simply because of who they knew, not what they knew.
Thankfully, this dynamic is changing. As the industry matures, unqualified leaders are falling by the wayside. However, the lack of opportunities for women to showcase their qualifications and leadership potential still lingers. Accessing capital has been especially challenging for women-owned businesses, and the pay gap, unequal roles, and general skepticism about women’s capabilities have contributed to the ongoing imbalance. Today, women hold only around 20% of executive positions in the global cannabis space.
Our Solution: To combat this, Rebecca Allen-Tapp and I co-founded the EmpowHer Cannabis Society, a professional community for women ranging from industry veterans to newcomers. It’s a virtual space where we support one another, collaborate, and shape the industry with ethics and shared values. In just one year, over 700 women from 27 countries have joined, creating a wave of confidence and power. Our community is a force to be reckoned with, offering mutual support that is nothing short of mind-blowing. Honestly, we have the collective talent to run the entire industry from within our ranks.
We are also stepping up at traditionally male-dominated events, making our presence known and sharing our perspectives. With 51% of cannabis consumers being women, diversity in leadership and decision-making is not just important—it’s essential. Yet, it’s shocking that many companies still have no women in their C-suite or on their boards, all while trying to sell products to women, and sometimes for women!
A Few Women Making Waves in the Cannabis Industry
By lifting each other up, sharing our expertise, and demanding a seat at the table, women in cannabis are reshaping the industry—and it’s only the beginning.
Berta Kaguako
Berta Kaguako, is a health and social care consultant, with a background in mental health, substance misuse and children and families’ services. Berta is also a patient advocate, having had her life reformed by cannabis based medical products. Berta started advocating when she noticed the disparity in patient rights and accessibility to plant medicine. As a result, Berta started speaking out and sharing her personal experience, in an effort to educate people on the benefits of the medicine and the life changing experience it can be for some people.
Ariana Ayu
Ariana Ayu, RN, MSc is a nurse educator specializing in medical cannabis, the endocannabinoid system, and lifestyle medicine. She has more than 20 years experience in mind-body-spirit healing and has taught over 100 nurses through her 72-hour CEU-accredited CannyNurse® Certificate Program. Ariana combines intuitive wisdom with current, scientifically-based evidence.
Jessi Cox
Jessi Cox’s ascent in the cannabis sector is remarkable. She has played a crucial role in advocating for responsible cannabis use, and her influence is felt across various areas of the industry. Her dedication to ensuring the highest standards of quality and compliance has earned her recognition as a trusted voice in cannabis. Jessi’s efforts have also led to the development of proprietary technology, further distinguishing her as an innovator.
One of her key achievements includes owning the domain CannabisVapeHardware.com, through which she collaborates with manufacturers globally to help top brands select the best solutions for their oils. This strategic move has positioned her as a go-to expert for cannabis hardware solutions, enhancing her influence in the industry.
Catherine Sidman
Catherine is an OG in Cannabis based in the USA, Experienced laboratory Equipment Professional with a demonstrated history of working in research and processing labs. Strong entrepreneurship professional skilled in Biotechnology, Management, Engineering Management, Customer Service, and Engineering.
10+ years’ experience in cannabis processing and laboratory technology. Interested in deepening relationships in emerging markets including psychedelics, nootropics and plant medicines.Experienced laboratory Equipment Professional with a demonstrated history of working in research and processing labs. Strong entrepreneurship professional skilled in Biotechnology, Management, Engineering Management, Customer Service, and Engineering. 10+ years’ experience in cannabis processing and laboratory technology. Interested in deepening relationships in emerging markets including psychedelics, nootropics and plant medicines.