Breaking The Grass Ceiling: How Women Are Shaping the Future of Cannabis and What The Industry Doesn’t Want Us To Talk About

Ever get that feeling you’re on the cusp of something huge—like you’re seeing history unfold? That’s what’s happening right now in cannabis, and the women at the forefront are reshaping this industry like never before. 

In an industry riding a $40 billion high, it’s time to call out the truth: women are bulldozing their way into a space that’s been a “boys’ club” for way too long. 

And this isn’t just a fluffy feel-good story. It’s a reality check. The future of cannabis isn’t just male; it’s bold, diverse, and led by women who are rewriting the rules on their own terms.

If you’re part of this industry—or just wondering who’s taking the reins—you can’t afford to ignore how women are reshaping it, barrier by broken barrier. These are the real leaders, the unfiltered voices, and the disruptors everyone should be listening to right now.

Ready to see who’s pulling the strings behind cannabis’s next big move? Keep reading; because this is only the beginning.

The Grass Ceiling: Financial and Regulatory Challenges

So let’s get real about the “grass ceiling” that women in cannabis have been smashing. Securing venture capital? It’s like finding a needle in a field of, well, cannabis.

While women-founded businesses across all sectors only received about 2.3% of venture funding in 2020, for cannabis entrepreneurs, it’s even tougher with the industry’s legal mess adding extra hoops​ ( Joint Venture & Co. & mg Magazine).

But Christine Smith of Grön is challenging those odds with a brand that isn’t just about products; it’s about rewriting the rulebook on inclusive, human-first leadership.

And then there’s Kim Stuck of Allay Consulting, who actually created her own role in compliance to make the industry safer and more transparent for everyone. Now that’s what we call making your own path​ ( Earthy Select).

Shifting the Narrative: Representation and Visibility

Visibility isn’t just some buzzword; it’s power. And even though women now make up around 39% of cannabis executives​ Springbig, you wouldn’t know it from who gets the spotlight. Enter Wanda James of Simply Pure, who’s on a mission to inject diversity where it counts—front and center.

Wanda’s not here to win solo; she’s here to rewrite what success in cannabis looks like with her mantra, “You don’t have to lose for me to win.”

Her approach is pure community and collaboration, setting women-led businesses apart and proving that there’s no one way to succeed in this industry​.

But “being there” isn’t enough. Visibility has to go beyond boardrooms and straight into the public eye. Think about it: industry panels, media features, big events—still predominantly male-driven.

This lack of diverse representation sends a message to young women watching from the sidelines: that they’re still “guests” in the industry. But women like Wanda are flipping that script and making sure they’re seen, not as a quota filler, but as the new faces of cannabis.

The result? A generation that sees themselves represented and inspired to dive in and drive change.

A Collaborative Culture: Redefining Leadership in Cannabis

And speaking of rewriting the rulebook, women are taking a whole new approach to leadership in this space. Take Lauren Fontein of The Artist Tree, who knows every team member by name and believes that a successful company culture is built on genuine connections, not just transactions.

Her way of leading from the ground up, rather than the top down, embodies a refreshing take in an industry traditionally run by stiff, corporate hierarchies. Because here’s the truth: you can’t build an inclusive industry without actually caring about the people in it​.

This isn’t about a “soft” leadership style—it’s transformative. Studies have long shown that a workforce that feels valued produces better ideas and is far more loyal.

Lauren’s building that foundation, crafting a company culture that goes beyond slogans. She’s set a new standard for cannabis leadership where empathy, respect, and connection drive the industry forward.

Tackling the Unspoken Issues: Gender Bias and Workplace Culture

Let’s put it on the table—gender bias isn’t a dirty little secret; it’s a blatant issue that’s still alive and well.

And no, it’s not just about “unequal pay” (though, yes, that too). It’s the whispers, the sidelong looks, the tired stereotypes that women in cannabis are battling on the daily.

Leaders like Amanda Jones of Kikoko are setting an entirely new benchmark, challenging the norm and creating workplaces where respect isn’t optional—it’s essential. Her people-first approach isn’t just good for morale; it’s reshaping the industry itself​ (FlowerHire).

And let’s get real about bias. It’s not just the obvious stuff; it’s the everyday micro-aggressions, the subtle digs, and the rolled eyes when a woman dares to make her voice heard.

But women like Amanda are pushing back, setting standards that leave no room for the “same old” in cannabis.

They’re bringing in zero-tolerance policies and bias training—not to police anyone, but to create workplaces where talent actually means something. It’s time to recognize that the best, boldest ideas come from respect and diversity, not exclusion.

Our Own Collective Responsibility to Champion Inclusivity

At our own company, we’re all in on building an inclusive industry because it’s not just the right thing to do—it’s the only way forward.

As a majority women-led HR provider, we’re here to blow up the stereotypes and expand opportunities for everyone in cannabis.

Inclusivity isn’t a checkbox on a “to-do” list—it’s a movement, one we’re proud to lead. And we hope other cannabis companies will see that diversity isn’t just good PR; it’s the secret ingredient to real, meaningful innovation.

This is about creating a space where every voice matters, not just a handful of “insiders.” When we diversify our workforce and bring new perspectives to the table, we’re not just making a statement—we’re building an industry where anyone with grit, drive, and passion has a seat.

Checklist: Gauging Women-Inclusive Companies

Curious if a company is truly women-inclusive? Here’s a checklist to help:

• Leadership Composition: Are women present in executive and board roles?
• Diversity in Hiring: Are women represented across all levels of the company?
• Equal Pay Practices: Are there clear and enforced policies on equal pay?
• Employee Support Programs: Is there mentorship or professional development specifically for women?
• Community Involvement: Does the company support women-focused initiatives?

Tangible Next Steps to Foster Inclusivity in Cannabis

Inclusivity starts with real, concrete action. Here’s a quick roadmap for what it takes:

1. Promote Women into Leadership Roles: Representation at the top matters. Give women a voice where decisions are made.
2. Provide Mentorship Programs: Connect experienced women leaders with up-and-coming talent.
3. Encourage Inclusive Marketing: Reflect a variety of voices and perspectives in your campaigns.
4. Advocate for Equity in Funding: Amplify the successes of women-led businesses to attract more investors.
5. Engage in Community Partnerships: Support organizations focused on women’s advancement and equity in cannabis.

Resources for Women in Cannabis

Looking to connect with groups that actively support women in cannabis? Here are some great resources:

• National Cannabis Industry Association: Women’s Initiative
• Last Prisoner Project
• Women Grow
• Supernova Women
• The Arcview Group – Diversity & Inclusion

Join the Movement

Women in cannabis aren’t just shaking things up; they’re creating entirely new spaces, standards, and opportunities.

This is about more than “breaking in”—it’s about shaping the industry for future generations. Are you ready to be part of the change?

Dive in, get involved, and help make cannabis an industry where everyone can succeed. 

Curious about how diversity is shaping the future of cannabis?

Discover how inclusive practices are transforming cannabis businesses and creating stronger, more resilient teams.

Check out our blog on The Biggest HR Challenges in Building a Diverse and Inclusive Workplace—and How to Fix Them to see why an inclusive approach isn’t just a value—it’s a business advantage.