Women, Stigma's & The Cannabis Industry
The reality of the REAL struggles for women in the industry.
The standards, stigmas and issues women face in the cannabis industry are not the same as men, and that is just the facts. I recently saw an article posted by a cannabis colleague of mine, and I felt it was a critical share for all our wonderful women we have worked with for the past 4 years within the cannabis industry!
The article immediate caught my eye because of the title: “Breaking the Stigma: Women, Cannabis, and the Fight for Recognition in the Industry”, posted on LinkedIn by Katie Burrell. The title caught my eye, because it aligns with the mission of the Women in Cannabis Expo has strived to achieve from our inception January of 2020. WICE is extremely proud to say after all our expos to date, we have award over 83 women in the cannabis industry recognizing their acts of service and hard work. BUT we know WICE cannot be the only ones to recognize these women. Collectively all of us women in the cannabis industry continue to struggle against and within the industry. As a whole it takes the community to break many of the struggles that are hard pressed against women. It also takes a full community to come together to speak about the hard topics. Together we can come up with collective, and helpful solutions. The issue has been and continues to be that women have struggled in many aspects of the cannabis industry including stigma, pay, opportunities, etc.
As WICE prepares for 2025, we have made the decision to continue to rise above all the continued challenges and have come up with creative ways to continue our growth to highlight women within the cannabis industry. This includes opening board positions for WICE. (P.S. There is still time to apply! Interviews start next week). If you are interested, please apply by clicking on the link below.
WICE is happy to share the recent article we mentioned earlier, because we believe in providing information and tools to all the women we have worked with, including YOU!
READ the full article below or click on the link.
Breaking the Stigma: Women, Cannabis, and the Fight for Recognition in the Industry-Article
BY: Katie Burrell Connect with Katie on LinkedIn
In 2024, the cannabis industry stands at a crossroads, not just in terms of growth and legalization but also in the fight for gender equity. Women, who have long been advocates for the plant's medicinal and therapeutic benefits, are now stepping into leadership roles, breaking barriers, and reshaping the industry. However, despite these strides, the road to recognition and respect is still fraught with challenges.
The Rise of Women in Cannabis
Women are increasingly taking on leadership roles in the cannabis industry, with their representation in executive positions rising to approximately 36% in 2024. This is a significant increase from previous years and a positive sign that the industry is moving toward gender parity. However, this progress is not without its challenges. Women in cannabis still face significant barriers, including access to capital, networks, and the persistent stigma associated with both cannabis use and female leadership.
Challenges and Stigmas
Despite the growing presence of women in the industry, they still face significant stigmas. The cannabis industry, much like other sectors, is not immune to gender biases. Women often have to work harder to earn the same level of respect as their male counterparts, and many still encounter the “double stigma” of being both a woman and an advocate for cannabis
These challenges are compounded for women of color and those from marginalized communities. The Women in Cannabis Study highlighted that women in these groups face even greater barriers, including financial challenges and insufficient support from the broader industry. This underscores the need for more inclusive and equitable practices that not only recognize but also support the diverse contributions women bring to the cannabis sector.
Empowerment and Progress through Tokeativity
A beacon of empowerment for women in the cannabis industry is Tokeativity, a community-driven platform dedicated to supporting and uplifting women who use cannabis and those who work within the industry. Tokeativity provides a safe space for women to connect, learn, and grow both personally and professionally. Through a variety of events, workshops, and online forums, Tokeativity offers women the tools they need to succeed in the cannabis industry, whether they are just starting out or are seasoned professionals.
The organization’s commitment to advocacy and education is evident in its mission to create a more inclusive and equitable cannabis industry. Tokeativity doesn’t just focus on individual success; it emphasizes the importance of community and collective advancement. By fostering a network of women who support each other, Tokeativity is helping to break down the barriers that have historically held women back in this industry.
Through Tokeativity, women are not just participants in the cannabis industry—they are leaders and innovators, driving change and challenging the status quo. The organization's efforts are crucial in ensuring that the industry becomes more inclusive, diverse, and reflective of the communities it serves.
Looking Ahead
The future of the cannabis industry is promising, particularly as more women step into leadership roles and push for greater equity and inclusion. However, there is still much work to be done. The industry must continue to challenge the stigmas that women face, not just as cannabis users but also as leaders in this space. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive industry that values the contributions of all its members.
As we move forward, it is essential to remember that the fight for recognition and respect in the cannabis industry is not just about gender. It’s about ensuring that the industry remains true to its roots—advocating for social justice, promoting health and wellness, and creating opportunities for all.
HEAD TO THE WOMEN IN CANNABIS WEBSITE AT: Women in Cannabis Expo