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Women have always played an important role in the cannabis industry – and there’s no better time to shine a light on exactly how than Women’s History Month. While the cannabis industry has often been dominated by men, women have been leading the charge for decades, fighting for legalization, championing medical access, and building some of the most successful brands in the market today.

Today, female entrepreneurs, policymakers, and executives are redefining the business landscape, proving that cannabis is an industry where women not only belong but thrive.

To honor the women in cannabis, we’re diving into the influential individuals who have shaped the past, present, and future of cannabis – from prohibition-era pioneers to today’s top industry leaders.

Brownie Mary (Mary Jane Rathbun)

There is no medical cannabis without Brownie Mary. Born Mary Jane Rathbun, Mary was a fearless cannabis activist who earned her nickname by baking and distributing marijuana brownies to AIDS patients in San Francisco during the 1980s. At the height of the epidemic, she was baking over 600 brownies a day.

She risked multiple arrests to provide relief to those suffering in hospitals, believing deeply in the medicinal power of cannabis. Her advocacy played a pivotal role in shifting public perception, and she became a key figure in the movement that led to the passage of California’s Prop 215 in 1996, which legalized medical marijuana in the U.S.

Even in her 70s, she fought tirelessly for patients’ rights, often seen rallying at protests in her signature apron. Today, she’s remembered as a true pioneer of medical cannabis, whose compassion and activism helped lay the foundation for the industry we know today.

Louisa May Alcott

Best known for her beloved novel Little Women, Louisa May Alcott was one of the first recorded female authors to write about cannabis use in literature. In one of her lesser-known short stories, Perilous Play (1869), she depicted her characters consuming cannabis-infused edibles, experiencing euphoria and adventure. This was a bold and rare portrayal for her time and suggested that cannabis was used recreationally in elite 19th-century social circles.

The simple reference of cannabis in her play challenges the notion that the presence of cannabis in American culture is a modern phenomenon. The best part is she is a proud Massachusetts native! Alcott spent much of her life in Concord, where visitors can explore the Louisa May Alcott Orchard House, the historic home where she wrote Little Women.

Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday wasn’t just a jazz icon – she was a fearless trailblazer whose talent and rebellion made her a target of America’s racist drug war. Her song Strange Fruit drew particular controversy from Harry Anslinger for her lyrics about lynching. As a result, the Federal Bureau of Narcotics aggressively pursued her for cannabis and heroin use, branding her as a troublemaker. She was harassed, arrested, and even denied medical care on her deathbed.

The truth is this is a common – and ongoing – example of how the war on drugs disproportionately punished Black women. Yet, despite relentless persecution, Billie Holiday goes down in history with her sultry voice and rebellious spirit; she is objectively one of the most influential artists of all time. Her story remains a stark reminder of the systemic injustices woven into drug policy, while her embrace of cannabis underscores its deep-rooted connection to jazz, creativity, and resistance.

Margaret Mead

Margaret Mead was an extremely influential anthropologist and a strong advocate for cannabis reform. In 1969, she testified before Congress, arguing that criminalizing cannabis did more harm to society than the plant itself, which was an incredibly progressive stance for the time.

Her research-driven approach challenged commonly-held beliefs and emphasized that rational drug policies should be based on science, not fear. Decades ahead of her time, Mead’s advocacy helped lay the groundwork for the modern legalization movement, proving that even the most respected intellectuals saw the flaws in prohibition.

Sister Kate & The Sisters of the Valley

Sister Kate and the Sisters of the Valley are a modern-day activist group redefining the relationship between cannabis, healing, and spirituality. These self-proclaimed “weed nuns” cultivate hemp-based products using traditional herbalist practices while fiercely advocating for cannabis policy reform. Their mission is to destigmatize cannabis by blending ancient wisdom with modern science, showing that the plant is not just a medicine but a sacred tool for wellness.

By challenging the stigma and embracing a feminist, spiritual approach to cannabis, the Sisters of the Valley are proving that activism can be as much about empowerment and education as it is about policy change. Their work continues to inspire a new era of plant-based healing and cannabis advocacy worldwide.

Dr. Allyn Howlett

Dr. Allyn Howlett is a phenomenon in the world of cannabis science. Her groundbreaking discovery of cannabinoid receptors in the brain revolutionized our understanding of cannabis and its effects on the human body. Dr. Howlett’s research, conducted in the 1980s, proved that our brains are naturally wired to interact with cannabinoids, laying the foundation for medical cannabis research today.

Without her work, we might not fully understand the endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in pain relief, mood regulation, and overall health. Dr. Howlett’s contributions continue to shape the future of cannabis-based medicine, proving that science, not stigma, should drive the conversation around cannabis.

Shaleen Title

Shaleen Title is an advocate for cannabis equity and justice and former commissioner for the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission. During her time at the CCC, she ensured that legalization benefitted the communities most harmed by prohibition. Title played a pivotal role in crafting policies that prioritized fairness, diversity, and inclusion in the industry. Her work has helped shape some of the nation’s most progressive cannabis regulations, focusing on opportunities for BIPOC entrepreneurs and those impacted by the war on drugs.

As a South Asian woman, Shaleen has broken barriers while pushing for real reform in cannabis policy. Now, as an advocate and policy expert, she continues to fight for justice, access, and accountability, proving that legalization must go beyond business to create lasting social change.

Nancy Whiteman

Nancy Whiteman, the CEO of Wana Brands, is a pioneering force in the cannabis edibles industry, having built Wana into a national powerhouse known for its high-quality, innovative products. Under her leadership, Wana has become a leader in the edibles market, setting the standard for consistency and reliability in infused products.

Recently, Wana’s acquisition by Canopy Growth marked one of the biggest deals in cannabis history, solidifying Whiteman’s position as a key figure in the industry’s expansion. Her entrepreneurial vision continues to shape the future of cannabis, proving that innovation and dedication can turn a brand into an industry leader.

Kim Rivers

Kim Rivers is the visionary CEO of Trulieve, one of the largest multi-state cannabis operators in the U.S. Under her guidance, Trulieve has pioneered expansion strategies that have positioned the company as a dominant force in the cannabis market, with a strong presence across multiple states.

Rivers’ ability to navigate regulatory landscapes and drive operational growth has been key to Trulieve’s success, making it a major player in both medical and recreational cannabis sectors. Her entrepreneurial leadership continues to set the standard for strategic growth and market dominance in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry.

Christine De La Rosa

Christine De La Rosa is the CEO of The People’s Ecosystem, a platform dedicated to supporting BIPOC and women-owned cannabis businesses through strategic investment and education. As a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion, she works to empower underserved communities and ensure they have access to resources and opportunities in the cannabis industry.

Through her thought leadership, De La Rosa is helping to bridge the gap for marginalized entrepreneurs, making sure they have a voice in an industry historically dominated by larger, often less diverse players. Her work continues to inspire change, focusing on economic empowerment and social justice in cannabis.

The Future of Women in Cannabis

The future of women in cannabis is incredibly bright, with trailblazing figures like Brownie Mary and Dr. Allyn Howlett paving the way for the next generation of female leaders. Organizations like Women Grow and the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) are working tirelessly to support and empower female entrepreneurs, ensuring that women have the resources, networks, and opportunities they need to thrive in the cannabis industry.

At Hennep in Provincetown, MA, we are committed to supporting women-owned cannabis businesses, as they bring unique perspectives, innovation, and leadership to the market. Our selections include female-led brands, allowing you to be part of this movement and help amplify women’s voices in the cannabis space.

Visit us today in Cape Cod to explore a wide range of products from women-owned brands, and join us in celebrating the incredible contributions women are making in cannabis.