For women in the cannabis industry, there are challenges at every turn. From lack of funding to imposter syndrome, the barriers to success are ample, to say the least. According to the Women in Cannabis Study, only 11 percent of women working in weed consider the space to be equitable.
Fortunately, people are working to change the narrative. Whether it’s providing pathways to investment or a safe space to share, these four groups are empowering women in cannabis—and having fun doing it.
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Women Grow
Founded in 2014, Women Grow seeks to “Connect, Educate, Empower and Inspire (C.E.E.I.)” through its range of meet-ups, symposiums, and webinars. Women Grow often has a presence at major industry conferences, including the popular “Women Grow LIVE” activation at MJBizCon, the largest annual trade show for cannabis professionals.
Blunt Brunch
Known for their energetic and inspiring events across the country, Blunt Brunch hosts intimate gatherings designed to “foster collaboration and community.” Their flagship Blunt Brunch Nationals held during MJBizCon offers speed networking, guest speakers, and even a dance party to start the week on a high note.
Women Employed in Cannabis
Women Employed in Cannabis (WEiC) is a network of professionals and women-owned businesses created to promote unity and share opportunities within cannabis. The group recently partnered with cannabis capital advisory firm The Panther Group to help women secure funding at a time when investments are more than hard to come by.
Women of Cannabis
The newest group on the list, Women of Cannabis hosts seshes focused on femininity. The relaxed environment of Women of Cannabis events encourages authentic connections while the emphasis on hospitality puts a new spin on the male-centric cannabis gatherings of the past.
Being a woman in cannabis is not always easy, but working toward normalization and being part of an emerging space makes it worth it. The energy and encouragement offered by the groups listed above can have a ripple effect that can elevate and inspire women in weed to keep going.
