Why are women such a huge influence in the marijuana world?

Just as New York socialite Pauline Sabin fought against the hypocrisy of Prohibition in the early 20th century, the legalization of cannabis in the United States has been largely driven by women. Coming from diverse backgrounds - political, corporate, legal or scientific - they have unquestionably become the most influential people in the US cannabis industry, advancing legislation and challenging stereotypes of the marijuana consumer.

The impact of women in weed is of course not easily quantifiable. But as they enter the industry, notably as leaders in the development of reforms, their collective efforts are being recognized. They are embracing the trend of challenging federal laws that keep weed on the market. marijuana in the Schedule I list of most dangerous drugs. You could think of them as the real Nancy Botwin, star of the Weeds series, But they're much more than that.

In the latest issue of Newsweek, the front-page feature entitled « Women in Weed » explored this trend, interviewing some of the industry's most powerful leaders and discussing the various ways in which women have changed the national perception of cannabis through their advocacy. Not only are women at the forefront of promoting the interests of legalization, but they also face unique challenges.

The women who join the movement come from all over the world

Greta Carter was among the first applicants to be issued cannabis cultivation permits in Washington State, where recreational cannabis use is legal. But above all, she helped build Initiative 502, a cannabis legalization bill introduced to the state and approved in 2012. Carter is also a former vice-president of a Citibank franchise.

Shaleen Title, lawyer, activist and director of weed recruitment agency THC Staffing, told Newsweek that at least half of her employees are women. «I'm actually seeing more women with classic past experiences eager to join the marijuana industry. In time, there will be more women with experience in this business.»

But it's not just women from the corporate world who are joining the sector. They are particularly well represented in cannabis-related scientific fields. At CannLabs, a Colorado-based marijuana testing lab, scientist Genifer Murray says she hires mostly women with advanced degrees in science, and confirms that they will be the experts of tomorrow.

Women legitimize the marijuana industry

In a field that emphasizes compassionate care, women have become a particularly valuable asset. Many of them are mothers, educators, or caregivers, with past experience in the medical field and personal interests in the industry. «It's a compassionate industry, for the most part, especially when you dwell on the medical side. Patients need time and consideration, and women are very good at that. The cannabis industry is made for women,» Murray explains.

Seeing so many female marijuana advocates, mobilizing to pass reforms, is affecting the public perception of cannabis, albeit gradually, and this has had a huge impact on the industry's recent progress. They give credibility to the movement at a level never before achieved by men. And men are taking notes.

«It's quite common to see a woman running a cannabis business and having a key position in dispensaries, retailers or plantations,» Chris Walsh, founder of Marijuana Business Daily magazine, reported to Newsweek.

ArcView CEO Troy Dayton recounts how he's seen an influx of women into the marijuana industry over the past year, and adds that cannabis trade shows have evolved very quickly, notably by eschewing half-naked female demonstrators on podiums. If only the automotive industry could follow suit...

Women in weed face unique challenges

Putting aside the pressures and legal threats of the DEA (US DEA) and IRS (US FISC), women also need to be concerned about the potential repercussions of their involvement in marijuana at home. In particular, women need to be more aware of the fact that Child Protective Services takes a dim view of mothers working in the business. Fathers are more likely to get away with it.

There are even legal services that have evolved to deal with this particular problem. Sarah Arnold, co-founder of the Cannabis and Family Laws association, the Family Law & Cannabis Alliance, explains that there is an incredible amount of misogyny in political movements and the industry in general. Her business, which assists women whose children have been turned over to Child Protective Services because of their connection to medical marijuana, was created after she herself became involved with the Services because of her work, and nearly lost custody of her children.

«At the time, no one else was talking about this Service, the legal battles or anything to do with cannabis and parental rights,» she tells Newsweek. «So I started talking about it, writing about it, and helping people on my own. I consider it my task in this life».

Women already occupy key positions

As legalization progresses, they take on major roles in the industry. The marijuana scene gives them huge shortcuts in terms of career development, and they in turn help to perpetuate the business. A few examples:

Mary Lynn Mathre founded and is still president of the’American Cannabis Nurses Association (ACNA), a national organization of 315 members, including 271 women, that educates the medical community about the use of marijuana.

ACNA board member and director Eloise Theisen has set up her own medical cannabis treatment clinic, Green Health Consultants.

_ Emily Paxhia analyzes cannabis financial marketplaces as a founding member of marijuana-focused investment firm Poseidon Asset Management

_ Meghan Larson created Adistry, the first digital video advertising platform

_ Olivia Mannix and Jennifer DeFalco founded Cannabrand, a Colorado-based cannabis marketing agency

_ In Berkeley, California, three women attorneys - Shabnam Malek, Amanda Conley and Lara Leslie DeCaro - have created the National Cannabis Bar Association. Coley and Malek also founded Synchronicity Sisters, which hosts «Tupperware parties» with cannabis-derived products made by women for women.

With all these ideas, ladies, you know what you have to do!