In the whirlwind of the past year, ablaze with the unstoppable rise of women, the world witnessed remarkable milestones. In a time when icons like Barbie proudly voiced what it means to be a woman, Taylor Swift’s iconic The Eras Tour became the first to gross over 1 billion, and girlhood trends soared to unprecedented heights, there was a shift. Amidst the vibration of growth and revolution, women everywhere reclaimed their power. So where should they aim their power next? The cannabis industry.

The weed industry is grooving, with an annual growth rate of 14%. There’s no better moment for women to seize the opportunity, rally their strengths, and pave their paths to claim a piece of the estimated 40 million dollar revenue projected for the U.S. cannabis market in 2024. As the industry skyrockets, it’s begging for fresh perspectives and diverse voices—women entrepreneurs are uniquely positioned to harness their creativity, resilience, and vision to make their mark. Some already are.

A Hit to Women in Cannabis

In cannabis entrepreneurship, women face many obstacles on their path to success. One major buzzkill is the ongoing presence of stereotypes and stigma, which can totally put a damper on their skills and contributions. Despite rocking the game, they’re still battling outdated biases that say, “You don’t belong.”

Female CEOs in the Mary Jane industry must navigate a landscape that presents hurdles. Research from the National Women’s Business Council gives us the lowdown on how regulations disproportionately impact women entrepreneurs, hindering their competitiveness. Gender bias persists in hiring, investments, and networking, undermining progress despite strides in equality. This bias leaks into legal complexities, with state-specific regulations that burden women-led businesses, impeding their ability to gain traction.

The Rise of Women in Reefer

In an industry historically dominated by men, recent data from a survey shows a far-out statistic—women now make up a whopping 39% of weed executives, a massive leap from last year’s 23%. The winds of change are strong, ushering in a funky, fresh era of inclusivity and empowerment. Women entrepreneurs boldly enter the spotlight, disrupting norms and reshaping the cannabis narrative. Their presence is a testament to their resilience, vision, and undeniably fierce drive.

Today, women are rising as leaders, trailblazers, and innovators, injecting the cannabis market with their fresh perspectives and relentless commitment. From quirky boutique dispensaries to dynamic multinational corporations, women-led ventures are leaving their mark, smashing stereotypes, and fueling innovation at every corner. These tales of triumph serve as guiding lights, illuminating the endless potential within each of us.

Sisterhood in Cannabis

There’s a growing recognition of the need for increased female representation. With women comprising nearly half of new customers and Gen-Z females emerging as a key demographic, it’s clear that female consumers are driving significant demand. Brands like Sundazed, a feminine-focused cannabis company, are leading the charge, illustrating the importance of authentic representation and creating experiences that vibe with women on a deeper level.

Despite the industry’s challenges, female entrepreneurs remain steadfast in their pursuit to funk it up. With resilience and passion, they’re reshaping the narrative and championing inclusivity. As established players acknowledge the expertise of diverse female leaders, they can tap into the vast potential of this market segment and build authentic connections with female consumers.

Women-Owned Brands That Are Funking It Up

Kikoko
Get ready to groove with Kikoko, the brainchild of Amanda Jones and Jennifer Chapin, lighting up the cannabis scene with their funky-infused teas straight out of California. These cats are all about wellness, serving up a killer selection of tea blends that hit all the right notes, whether you’re looking to chillax, catch some Zs, or kick pain to the curb. Crafted with love, their teas are like a smooth jam session for your soul, with organic ingredients that keep you grooving with every sip. Jones and Chapin’s dedication to spreading good vibes and natural alternatives has made Kikoko a star player in the cannabis beverage game, earning them some mad props and love from the community.

Miss Grass
Led by CEO Kate Miller and a team of 13 passionate women, Miss Grass is redefining the industry with a focus on inclusivity, education, and advocacy. Offering premium, sustainably grown Mary Jane products in stylish packaging, Miss Grass aims to create safe, welcoming spaces for the community to connect and learn. With a commitment to uplifting women and minorities, they’re challenging industry norms and advocating for greater representation. Through partnerships with organizations like the Last Prisoner Project and National Bail Out, Miss Grass actively gives back and drives positive change in the industry. Get ready to join the movement and light up the path towards a more equitable and inclusive cannabis culture with Miss Grass.

Sundazed
Sundazed, the ultimate femme pot extravaganza, is dropping fireweed packaged in Barbie-core pink swag. Founded by Sarah Aziz in 2022, Sundazed brings the heat with top-shelf indoor-grown flower served up in various styles, from solo pre-rolls to 10-packs, each tailored for a unique trip. With vibes like Glow Up, After Hours, and Daydream, Sundazed caters to seasoned stoners and greenhorn tokers alike. And stay tuned because Sundazed ain’t done yet—with more lit products on the horizon, including drops from its chic sister, Saturdazed—this crew is blazing the trail in weed culture and style.

The TOKE Agency
Our dynamic, women-founded, and operated marketing agency doesn’t just play the game; they revolutionize it. With a knack for turning new businesses into industry titans, we craft killer strategies, curate rad social media content, and engineer specialized loyalty programs that elevate brands to the next level. From big names to budding startups, we infuse the cannabis world with a fresh, funky vibe that sets the standard for success.

Tokin’ to Success

Women are forging powerful bonds within their community, creating vibrant networks that serve as pillars of support and empowerment. From mentorship circles to industry meetups, these gatherings buzz with energy as women share insights, wisdom, and camaraderie, propelling each other forward on their entrepreneurial journeys.

At the heart of their success lies an unwavering commitment to authenticity and a deep understanding of their brand’s identity. These trailblazing entrepreneurs aren’t just selling products; they’re weaving narratives that resonate with their audience, crafting experiences that speak to their values and aspirations. With every eco-conscious initiative, social justice campaign, or transparent business practice, they’re building a brand and fostering a movement grounded in authenticity, integrity, and a fierce passion for making a difference in the world of Mary Jane.

While breaking the grass ceiling, we have to remember to celebrate the incredible strides made by women in the reefer scene. From badass entrepreneurs to visionary leaders, women have busted through barriers and painted a fresher, more diverse canvas for the industry.

As we wrap up this wild ride through the world of women in cannabis entrepreneurship, know that TOKE isn’t just watching from the sidelines—we’re right in the mix! Being a women-owned and operated crew, we’re all about smashing those gender barriers and lifting our sisters in weed.

So, as we gaze into the future, let’s do it with a sprinkle of hope, a dash of determination, and a whole lotta girl power. Sure, the journey might have twists and turns, but together, we’re ready to tear down walls, flip stereotypes on their heads, and light up the path for a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow in cannabis. So let’s go, ladies! Our work is just beginning!

Key Takeaways:

• Challenges Faced by Women Entrepreneurs: Despite the cannabis industry’s growth, women still face barriers such as stereotypes, stigma, and limited access to funding. Additionally, navigating the complex legal and regulatory landscape presents challenges for women-led businesses, hindering their ability to compete effectively.
• Rise of Women in Cannabis: Recent data shows a significant increase in female representation in cannabis leadership roles, signaling a shift towards a more inclusive and diverse industry. Women entrepreneurs are reshaping the narrative, challenging norms, and driving innovation in the grass market with authenticity and determination.
• Strategies for Success: Women entrepreneurs are forging powerful networks in the cannabis industry and leveraging authenticity to overcome challenges and achieve success. By building supportive communities, embracing their brand identity, and staying true to their values, women-led businesses are making waves and driving positive change in the industry.