As we close Women’s History Month, we can’t help but take a moment to acknowledge the unique relationship between the cannabis plant and women. The cannabis plant is female, and in the world of cannabis cultivation, it is the female plant that produces the potent buds that we all know and love. In fact, even one male plant in a greenhouse can harm the entire crop. This is just one of the many ways the cannabis industry is unique and empowering for women.
While many industries struggle to find gender parity, especially at the leadership level, the cannabis industry has long been a haven for women. In the early days of the industry, impressive numbers of female executives were in every facet of the market. Today, despite some challenges, women continue to play a significant role in the cannabis industry. According to a 2019 study, nearly 37% of executive-level positions in the field were held by women, a figure that puts to shame the 21% national average for other industries.
However, as the cannabis industry has grown and becomes more lucrative, large corporate players have entered the space and brought a return to gender discrimination. As women in the industry continue to face challenges, it is crucial to recognize the importance of female representation and participation in the field.
The Female Cannabis Plant: A Symbol of Empowerment
The cannabis plant has long been associated with female empowerment. The fact that the plant is female and produces the potent buds we all love symbolizes the power of femininity. This symbolism is not lost on women in the cannabis industry, who have long been drawn to the plant’s empowering properties.
One woman who has been inspired by the cannabis plant is Dr. Lakisha Jenkins, a naturopathic physician and herbalist. Dr. Jenkins has been working with cannabis for over two decades and has seen firsthand the transformative power of the plant. She believes that the cannabis plant is a symbol of female empowerment and encourages women to embrace the plant’s healing properties. Especially when considering how women have always been healers in their communities. The connection between women and plant medicine is ancestral and holds a deep connection.
Empowering Women in the Cannabis Industry
The cannabis industry has always been a place where women have been able to thrive. In the early days of the industry, many of the top executives were women. Today, women continue to play a vital role in the industry, and many are working to ensure that even more women have a seat at the table.
One woman who is working to empower women in the industry is Nina Parks, the founder of Mirage Medicinal, a cannabis delivery service in San Francisco. Parks believes that women have a unique perspective that is essential to the industry’s success. Because feminine energy tends to be more connected to health and well-being, women can tap into that connection to provide better service to consumers.
Challenges Facing Women in the Cannabis Industry
While the cannabis industry has long been a place where women can thrive, there are still many challenges that women face. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of access to capital. Women-owned businesses often struggle to secure funding, which can make it difficult to compete with larger, well-funded companies.
Another challenge facing women in the industry is discrimination. Women often face discrimination in the workplace, and this is especially true in the cannabis industry. Despite the industry’s reputation for being female-friendly, women in the industry still report facing discrimination and bias.
The Importance of Female Representation in the Cannabis Industry
Despite the challenges, it is essential to recognize the importance of female representation in the cannabis industry. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, women must have a seat at the table and are given equal opportunities to succeed.
One woman who is working to ensure that women are represented in the industry is Khadijah Adams, the founder of Girl Get That Money, a platform that helps women of color in the cannabis industry. Adams believes that it is essential for women to support each other and work together to overcome the challenges they face.
Adams envisions a cannabis community where women are encouraged to gather and share their experiences and knowledge. She believes the strength in numbers will further accelerate female empowerment and success in this space.
Breaking the Grass Ceiling
As we close out this year’s Women’s History Month, we must recognize the unique relationship between women and the cannabis plant. The cannabis plant is female, and in the world of cannabis cultivation, it is the female plant that produces the potent buds that we all know and love. The cannabis industry has long been a place where women can thrive, and today, many women are working to ensure that women are represented in the industry.
Despite the challenges that women face in the industry, it is crucial that we continue to work toward gender parity and equal opportunities for women. The cannabis industry has the potential to be a model for other industries, and we must work together to create a community that is inclusive and supportive of women.
As we look toward the future of the cannabis industry, let us remember the powerful symbolism of the female cannabis plant and the role that women have played in the industry’s success. Let us continue to empower and support each other and work towards a more equitable and inclusive future for all women in the cannabis industry.
