In celebration of Women’s History Month, influential women from across the cannabis industry gathered for a livestream event titled “Women Leaders in Cannabis: Shattering the Grass Ceiling.” These trailblazers shared insights on raising capital, social equity, and their experiences in the industry. Let’s delve into their perspectives.
Start Where You Are
Chanda Macias, CEO of National Holistic Healing Center and chair of Women Grow, emphasizes starting where you are. Whether you’re in retail, accounting, or any other field, consider making a pivot into cannabis. Your existing skill set is valuable in this niche market. Incremental steps matter—educate yourself, position yourself better, and take action. The cannabis community supports each other, and there’s much to learn and share.
Capital Challenges for Women Founders
Tara Joseph, co-founder and CFO at Big Plan Holdings, sheds light on the challenges women face when raising capital. As a minority or woman, securing investment can be tough. Often, women undervalue themselves and hesitate to ask for substantial funding. Men confidently seek millions, while women tend to ask for smaller amounts, accompanied by detailed explanations. Overcoming these barriers requires confidence and a shift in mindset.
The Evolving Landscape
The cannabis industry has come a long way. Gone are the days of clandestine transactions in back alleys. Now, consumers—especially women—can walk into retail stores and purchase top-shelf, designer weed. The industry’s transformation includes well-designed packaging, clear labeling, lab-tested ingredients, and standardized dosing. Women appreciate these changes, and as legalization continues, the future of cannabis remains female.
