Like so many of the world’s leading industries, cannabis has often been perceived as a field dominated by men. But finally, a long-overdue shift has begun to take place in both our society and the world of cannabis – and a growing number of brilliant, highly skilled women are leading the charge.

There’s no shortage of notable female figures that are making a difference in the global cannabis community. From political advocates and dedicated entrepreneurs to healthcare professionals and experts in law, women are proving to be a force for growth and good within the industry.

We’ve rounded up 10 of the most influential women in cannabis this year, giving you a shortlist of the top names that you should know now.

1. Ann Lee

Ann Lee spent many years as a steadfast supporter of anti-marijuana laws, but everything changed when she was 60 years old. Lee’s son, Richard, was severely injured in an accident and left with chronic nerve pain and partial paralysis. 

As she searched for ways to help improve his quality of life, she learned about the extensive research behind cannabis as an effective form of pain relief. With this new knowledge and personal experience, Lee began fiercely fighting for cannabis legalization. She helped found Republicans Against Marijuana Prohibition (RAMP) and advocated for cannabis decriminalization even as she heads into her nineties.

2. Amy Margolis

As a founder of the Oregon Cannabis Association, a lawyer, and a longtime cannabis advocate, Amy Margolis is working diligently to support progress within the industry as a whole. After the legalization of marijuana in Oregon, Margolis began funneling her energy into resolving past criminalization and educating people about getting cannabis charges expunged from their records. 

Recently, she launched The Initiative, which is focused on helping female-founded cannabusinesses through education, mentoring, funding, and more.

3. Lilach Mazor Power

Lilach Mazor Power is the owner of the much-talked-about Kindred cannabis brand and Arizona’s Giving Tree Dispensary, both of which aim to transform the consumer experience. Power’s Kindred brand has served as an exemplary example of product innovation, crafting full-spectrum products that deliver consistently excellent cannabis experiences for a broad range of consumers. 

Taking quality one step further, Giving Tree Dispensary is a leading Phoenix dispensary that offers a curated collection of products made from cannabis meticulously grown, harvested, extracted, and produced. Ultimately, her goal is to benefit consumers by elevating the industry’s standards of product quality and service.

4. Wanda James

Even as cannabis has been legalized in many states, there are still glaring racial inequalities – spurred by the War on Drugs – that are affecting Black communities throughout the U.S. However, Wanda James, a former Fortune 100 executive, American veteran, and the first Black woman to own a legal cannabis dispensary in the U.S. is working hard to change that. 

She and her husband were the first Black Americans to launch a legal cannabis cultivation facility and cannabis edibles company, also owning Denver’s Simply Pure Dispensary. James is fighting against inequalities both as a history-making female business owner and advocates for racial justice in cannabis.

5. Allison Margolin

Allison Margolin was raised by a defense attorney father who directed one of America’s most notable cannabis decriminalization groups, making sense that she possesses a passion for justice. After graduating from Harvard Law, Margolin became one of the country’s first attorneys to specialize in cannabis law. 

Her firm practices cannabis business law, criminal defense, and medical marijuana regulatory law to provide support for both business owners and individuals. Margolin is also in the process of publishing her book, “Just Dope,” which is a one-part personal memoir and one-part political history of America’s War on Drugs.

6. Dr. Sue Sisley

Dr. Sue Sisley has helped make critical advancements for medical cannabis, particularly in her research for cannabis as a treatment for PTSD. She also works to spread awareness within the healthcare field, educating fellow doctors and healthcare professionals about the medical benefits of cannabis. 

Dr. Sisley has also spent more than ten years fighting to gain cannabis flower a spot in the FDA drug development process, which would open the door to insurance coverage for medical marijuana treatment for many patients. 

7. Jessica Billingsley

Jessica Billingsley is the CEO of Akerna, the innovative enterprise software specifically developed for use in the cannabis industry. The program was among the first software solutions that provided seed-to-sale tracking and comprehensive plant analysis, helping to bridge serious gaps in cannabis supply chain tracking.

Billingsley was named one of Fortune’s Most Promising Female Entrepreneurs in 2015, and her company became the first cannabis software company with a listing on the Nasdaq in 2019.

8. Heather Manus, RN

Heather Manus, RN, is a specialist in cannabis care, focusing on providing patients with options in natural healing and alternative remedies. She is also the founder and CEO of Cannabis Nurses Network, a professional nursing and professional development organization dedicated to cannabis education. The Cannabis Nurses Network aims to spread medical cannabis awareness by educating nurses on the science of cannabis and how it can be incorporated into standard medical practices.

9. Khadijah Adams

Khadijah Adams was born in Texas, but she quickly relocated to Colorado when adult-use cannabis was legalized in 2014. Within a year of moving to the state, she and a business partner had founded the Marijuana Investment & Private Retreat Holdings, LLC. 

The company specializes in cannabis consulting and investor relations, serving minority-owned businesses within the cannabis industry. Adams has also founded an organization called Girl Get That Money, which strives to empower female entrepreneurs in a variety of ways.

10. Mara Gordon

Mara Gordon has numerous job titles, including cannabis advocate, researcher, entrepreneur, and process engineer. Gordon recognized the need for personalized dosing regimens for cannabis patients and began tapping into her skillset to find a solution. She co-founded Aunt Zelda’s, a cannabis collective that provides customized formulations directly to patients using her professional expertise. 

She has also appeared on stage on behalf of cannabis, speaking at international presentations and conferences and delivering advocacy/education speeches via TEDx Talks.

Let Marijuana Marketing Xperts Help You on Your Journey in the Cannabis Industry 

Whether you’re working to become a cannabusiness owner, a thought leader and influencer, an advocate, or any one of the many other important roles within the industry, building your personal brand and connecting with the community is key. However, it can sometimes be challenging to navigate the regulations and rules that apply to conversations surrounding cannabis, particularly those that take place in the digital space – luckily, you don’t have to do it alone.

Marijuana Marketing Xperts is an agency that specializes in cannabis marketing and branding, using our extensive experience within the marijuana industry to support entrepreneurs and trailblazers of all types. We understand the nuances of cannabis marketing rules, as well as the best practices and smart strategies for getting your message out there. From SEO for cannabis to social media marketing – and just about everything in between – we truly have done it all.

You have something important to contribute to the cannabis industry, and we can help you achieve your goals. Reach out to Marijuana Marketing Xperts to get started now.

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