The cannabis industry has witnessed a wave of transformation, spearheaded by visionary women who are breaking barriers and reshaping the landscape. These influential figures are not only revolutionizing the way we perceive cannabis but also championing diversity, sustainability, and social responsibility.
Jane West
Jane West, the founder of Women Grow, stands as a monumental figure in the cannabis industry, recognized for her significant influence and transformative vision. Founded in 2014 by West, Women Grow has set out to revolutionize the cannabis landscape by championing diversity and empowerment. With a mission to foster a female-led billion-dollar industry, the organization is dedicated to connecting, educating, and empowering diverse leadership within the burgeoning legal cannabis sector.
Dr. Rachel M. Knox
Dr. Rachel M. Knox, a cannabinoid medicine specialist, is a trailblazer in the field. She co-founded Doctors Knox, Inc., advocating for holistic approaches to health and education in cannabinoid medicine. Her impact extends to policy, regulation, and health equity initiatives.
Madeline Martinez
Madeline Martinez, an American cannabis rights activist, retired from her career as a correctional officer in California to dedicate herself to cannabis advocacy. She played a pivotal role in the successful Oregon Ballot Measure 91 (2014) campaign, which legalized recreational marijuana use. As the executive director of Oregon NORML, she continues to champion cannabis rights at both the state and national levels.
Wanda James
Wanda James, an American cannabis entrepreneur and activist, co-founded Simply Pure, Denver’s first legal cannabis dispensary. As the first African American woman to own a cannabis dispensary in Colorado, she advocates for social equity and criminal justice reform related to cannabis. Wanda’s impact extends to policy work, including serving as the former managing director of the Cannabis Global Initiative.
Jazmin Hupp
Jazmin Hupp, the CEO and Co-Founder of Women Grow, has achieved remarkable success in the legal cannabis industry. Within just eighteen months, she established professional networking chapters in 44 cities across the United States and Canada. Hupp’s dedication to empowering women in the cannabis space has earned her recognition as a “genius entrepreneur” by Fortune and a “top business women” by Forbes.
Dr. Sue Sisley
Dr. Sue Sisley, a pioneering figure in the field of cannabis research, has dedicated her career to advancing our understanding of medical marijuana. As a physician, she has tirelessly advocated for rigorous scientific investigation into the therapeutic potential of cannabis, particularly for conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Dr. Sisley’s groundbreaking work has challenged stigma and misinformation, paving the way for evidence-based cannabis medicine.
Amanda Reiman
Amanda Reiman, a multifaceted figure in the cannabis landscape, has worn many hats throughout her impactful career. After earning her PhD from the University of California at Berkeley, she assumed the role of Director of Research and Patient Services at Berkeley Patients Group, one of the oldest dispensaries in the country. Dr. Reiman’s expertise extends beyond academia; she taught courses on substance abuse, treatment, and drug policy at U.C. Berkeley for a decade. Recently, she founded Personal Plants, a multi-media platform that supports home cultivation and processing of therapeutic plants.
Lori Ajax
Lori Ajax, a prominent figure in the cannabis industry, has played a pivotal role in shaping California’s marijuana regulatory landscape. Appointed by then-Governor Jerry Brown in February 2016, she initially oversaw the state’s Bureau of Medical Marijuana Regulation. As the industry evolved, so did her responsibilities. After voters approved recreational legalization, she continued as the chief of the renamed Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC), overseeing the rollout of California’s legal cannabis marketplace in January 2018.
Kimberly Dillon
Kimberly Dillon founded Plant & Prosper, a strategic marketing consultancy that operates in emerging industries such as cannabis, crypto, and tech. Additionally, she established Frigg, a wellness brand that creatively combines cannabis and mushrooms. Her journey began as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Papa & Barkley, a cannabis company.
Cynthia Salarizadeh
Cynthia Salarizadeh, a seasoned professional with over fifteen years of experience, has made a significant impact on the cannabis industry. As the CEO of Salar Media Group, a public relations and consulting firm focused on cannabis, she brings professionalism, achievement, and dedication to her role. Despite federal illegality, Cynthia adeptly navigates the complex media landscape in the cannabis realm.
The cannabis industry is undergoing a transformative shift, driven by the visionary leadership and advocacy of women who are pushing boundaries and redefining norms. From pioneering research to innovative entrepreneurship and social activism, these influential figures are shaping the future of cannabis, paving the way for a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable industry. As we celebrate their achievements, let us recognize the vital role that women play in driving progress and fostering positive change in the cannabis landscape.
