Historic Women Of Cannabis
The history of cannabis is a long and complex one, with many individuals and groups contributing to its development and popularity over the centuries. In recent years, the cannabis industry has experienced a significant surge in growth, with many women making notable contributions to the field. In this article, we will explore some of the most prolific women in cannabis history, their accomplishments, and their impact on the industry.
Mary Jane Rathbun, a.k.a. Brownie Mary
One of the most famous women in cannabis history is Mary Jane Rathbun, also known as Brownie Mary. Rathbun was a San Francisco-based cannabis activist and baker who is best known for providing cannabis-infused brownies to AIDS patients in the 1980s.
Rathbun began her activism work in the 1970s, but it wasn’t until the AIDS epidemic hit San Francisco that she became widely known. She started baking brownies infused with cannabis and distributing them to AIDS patients in local hospitals. Her brownies not only provided relief from pain and nausea caused by AIDS and its treatments but also helped to boost the appetites of patients who were suffering from weight loss. We even wrote about here in our pride article here.
Despite being arrested three times for her cannabis-related activities, Rathbun continued to advocate for the medicinal use of cannabis. Her activism helped to bring attention to the therapeutic potential of cannabis, and she remains an inspiration to many in the cannabis community today.
Alice B. Toklas
Another woman who played a significant role in cannabis history is Alice B. Toklas. Toklas was an American writer and partner of Gertrude Stein, a well-known author and art collector. In 1954, Toklas published a cookbook called “The Alice B. Toklas Cook Book,” which included a recipe for “Haschich Fudge,” a cannabis-infused dessert.
The recipe was not well-received by the public at the time, and Toklas was criticized for including it in her cookbook. However, the recipe has since become famous and is now considered an important piece of cannabis history. Today, the recipe is often used as a symbol of the cultural and political changes that have taken place in relation to cannabis in the United States.
Dr. Dina Browner
Dr. Dina Browner is a prominent cannabis activist and entrepreneur who has been called the “Queen of Medical Marijuana.” Browner has been involved in the cannabis industry for more than two decades and has worked to promote the legalization and responsible use of cannabis.
Browner gained national attention when she became the cannabis consultant for the television show “Weeds,” which aired from 2005 to 2012. She has also been featured in numerous media outlets, including Rolling Stone and The New York Times.
In addition to her advocacy work, Browner is the owner of a cannabis dispensary in Los Angeles called Alternative Herbal Health Services. The dispensary has been in operation since 2004 and has won numerous awards for its high-quality cannabis products.
Mara Gordon
Mara Gordon is a cannabis activist and entrepreneur who has made significant contributions to the industry. Gordon began her career as a process engineer and quickly realized the potential of cannabis as a medicine.
In 2013, Gordon founded Aunt Zelda’s, a company that produces high-quality cannabis oils and tinctures. The company specializes in creating customized cannabis treatments for patients with chronic conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis.
Gordon is also the founder of the Zelda Therapeutics Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports research into the therapeutic potential of cannabis. She has been recognized for her work in the industry and has been featured in numerous media outlets, including Forbes and Rolling Stone.
Dr. Sue Sisley
Dr. Sue Sisley is a medical doctor and cannabis researcher who has made significant contributions to the cannabis industry. She is known for her work studying the therapeutic potential of cannabis for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Sisley’s research on cannabis and PTSD began in 2009, when she was the principal investigator in a groundbreaking study examining the effects of cannabis on military veterans with PTSD. The study was the first of its kind and helped to bring attention to the potential benefits of cannabis for PTSD patients.
Despite facing significant challenges in obtaining funding and approval for her research, Sisley continued to advocate for the study of cannabis as a treatment for PTSD. Her persistence paid off when she was awarded a $2.2 million grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment in 2016 to conduct a clinical trial on the use of cannabis for PTSD in military veterans.
Sisley’s work has helped to pave the way for further research into the therapeutic potential of cannabis. She has been recognized for her contributions to the industry and has been featured in numerous media outlets, including CNN and The New York Times.
Wanda James
Wanda James is a cannabis entrepreneur and advocate who has been a trailblazer in the industry. She is the founder of Simply Pure, a cannabis dispensary and edibles company based in Denver, Colorado.
James began her career in the military before transitioning to the corporate world. She became involved in the cannabis industry in 2009 when she and her husband opened a dispensary in Colorado. In 2016, James became the first Black woman to own a cannabis dispensary in the United States.
In addition to her work with Simply Pure, James is also the founder of the Cannabis Global Initiative, a nonprofit organization that works to promote diversity and inclusion in the cannabis industry. She has been recognized for her contributions to the industry and has been featured in numerous media outlets, including Forbes and NBC News.
Lynne Lyman
Lynne Lyman is a cannabis policy expert and advocate who has worked to reform drug laws and reduce the disproportionate impact of drug laws on communities of color. She is currently the Director of the Office of Cannabis Management for the city of Los Angeles.
Lyman began her career in drug policy in the 1990s, when she worked on a campaign to reform California’s “Three Strikes” law, which imposed harsh sentences on individuals convicted of multiple felonies. She later became involved in the cannabis industry and worked as the California state director of the Drug Policy Alliance.
In her current role, Lyman is responsible for overseeing the regulation of the cannabis industry in Los Angeles. She has been recognized for her contributions to drug policy reform and has been featured in numerous media outlets, including The Los Angeles Times and CNN.
Jazmin Hupp
Jazmin Hupp is an entrepreneur and cannabis advocate who has made significant contributions to the industry. She is the founder of Women Grow, a networking organization for women in the cannabis industry.
Hupp began her career in the tech industry before transitioning to the cannabis industry in 2013. She founded Women Grow in 2014 to help women succeed in the cannabis industry and to promote gender parity in the industry.
Since its founding, Women Grow has become a leading organization in the cannabis industry, with chapters in more than 35 cities across the United States. Hupp has been recognized for her contributions to the industry and has been featured in numerous media outlets, including The New York Times and Forbes.
From activists to entrepreneurs to researchers, these women have made significant contributions to the development and growth of the industry. Their work has helped to bring attention to the therapeutic benefits of cannabis.
Oregon Women Owned Cannabis Brands
There are many cannabis brands owned by women in Oregon, reflecting the growing number of women who are making their mark in the cannabis industry. Here are a few examples:
Laurie + MaryJane
Laurie Wolf and Mary Thigpen are the co-founders of Laurie + MaryJane, a cannabis edibles company based in Portland, Oregon. The company specializes in creating artisanal edibles using high-quality ingredients and locally-sourced cannabis. P.S. If you like L+MJ edibles, Laurie has written four cannabis cookbooks.
She Don’t Know
She Don’t Know is a cannabis company founded by Jill Trinchero, a single mother and cannabis activist. Jill has been creating high quality edibles since 2015.
Hifi Farms
Hifi Farms is an Oregon-based cannabis cultivation and processing company that specializes in producing high-quality, organic cannabis. The company is owned by Sara Batterby, who has been featured in Oregon Leaf for her innovative business practices and advocacy work.
Peak Extracts
Peak Extracts is a cannabis company founded by Katie Stem, a biochemist and cannabis expert. The company specializes in creating cannabis-infused chocolates, tinctures, and topicals using high-quality, lab-tested cannabis oil.
Empower BodyCare
Trista Okel is the founder of Empower BodyCare, a Portland-based company that produces cannabis-infused topical products. The company’s products are designed to provide pain relief and relaxation without the psychoactive effects of THC.
Green Source Gardens
Green Source Gardens is a cannabis farm and producer located in Southern Oregon. The company is owned and operated by wife and husband Elizabeth and Nicholas Mahmood who are committed to producing sustainable, organic cannabis using regenerative farming methods.
These are just a few examples of the many women-owned cannabis brands in Oregon. Each of these companies is unique in its approach and philosophy, but they all share a commitment to producing quality cannabis.
Famous Female Stoners
Whoopi Goldberg
Whoopi Goldberg is an actress, comedian, and TV host who has been a longtime advocate for medical cannabis. In 2016, she launched a line of cannabis-infused products designed to help women manage menstrual pain and other health issues.
If you’re interested in more information about menstruation & marijuana, check out our other blog here.
Chelsea Handler
Chelsea Handler is a comedian and TV host who has been a vocal advocate for cannabis legalization. She has spoken publicly about her own cannabis use and has called for an end to the prohibition of the drug.
Melissa Etheridge
Melissa Etheridge is a singer and songwriter who has used cannabis to manage her own health issues. She has been a vocal advocate for medical cannabis and has even opened her own cannabis dispensary in California.
Olivia Newton-John
Olivia Newton-John is an actress and singer who has used cannabis to manage her own pain and anxiety. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, Olivia opened a national dialogue about cannabis as a medical treatment.
Cannabis Literature Written by Women
There are many books about cannabis written by women, covering a wide range of topics from personal memoirs to cannabis cultivation to medical uses of cannabis. Here are some examples:
“Weed Mom: The Canna-Curious Woman’s Guide to Healthier Relaxation, Happier Parenting, and Chilling TF Out” by Danielle Simone Brand
This book is a guide for women who are curious about using cannabis as a way to manage stress and anxiety, as well as for parents who want to learn how to use cannabis responsibly. The book covers a range of topics, from the basics of cannabis to recipes for cannabis-infused foods, and includes personal anecdotes from the author’s own experiences as a “weed mom.”
“Breaking the Grass Ceiling: Women, Weed & Business” by Ashley Picillo and Lauren Devine
This book is an exploration of the role of women in the cannabis industry, from growers to business owners to activists. The book includes interviews with women who have made significant contributions to the industry and offers insights into the challenges and opportunities facing women in this rapidly-evolving field.
“Ganja Yoga: A Practical Guide to Conscious Relaxation, Soothing Pain Relief, and Enlightened Self-Discovery” by Dee Dussault
This book is a guide to using cannabis in combination with yoga and meditation for relaxation and pain relief. The book includes instructions for a range of yoga poses and meditations, as well as tips for choosing the right strain of cannabis and dosing properly.
“Cannabis and CBD for Health and Wellness: An Essential Guide for Using Nature’s Medicine to Relieve Stress, Anxiety, Chronic Pain, Inflammation, and More” by Aliza Sherman and Dr. June Chin
This book is a comprehensive guide to using cannabis and CBD for a variety of health conditions. It includes information on dosing, methods of consumption, and the legal and political landscape surrounding cannabis.
“Cannabis Revealed: How the World’s Most Misunderstood Plant is Healing Everything from Chronic Pain to Epilepsy” by Bonni Goldstein
This book is written by a medical doctor who specializes in cannabis-based medicine. It includes information on different strains and methods of consumption, as well as stories of patients who have successfully used cannabis to treat their health conditions.
Cooking & Recipes
“High Tea: Cannabis Cakes, Tarts, and Bakes” by Diana Isaiou
This cookbook includes more than 50 recipes for cannabis-infused baked goods, as well as information on dosing and cannabis strains.
“Mary Jane: The Complete Marijuana Handbook for Women” by Cheri Sicard
This book is a comprehensive guide to using cannabis as a woman, covering topics such as menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. It includes information on different strains and methods of consumption, as well as recipes for cannabis-infused foods and drinks.
“The Cannabis Kitchen Cookbook: Feel-Good Food for Home Cooks” by Robyn Griggs Lawrence
This cookbook includes more than 100 recipes for cannabis-infused foods and drinks, as well as information on dosing and cannabis strains.
“The Art of Weed Butter: A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Cannabutter Master“ by Mennlay Golokeh Aggrey
This book is a guide to making your own cannabis-infused butter, which can be used in a variety of recipes. The book includes step-by-step instructions for infusing butter with cannabis, as well as tips for dosing and cooking with cannabutter.
“Cannabis Pharmacy: The Practical Guide to Medical Marijuana” by Danielle Guercio
This book is a comprehensive guide to using cannabis for medical purposes. It covers a wide range of topics, from the science of cannabis to different methods of consumption to specific medical conditions that can be treated with cannabis. The book also includes recipes for cannabis-infused foods and tips for making your own cannabis-based remedies.
Female Led Cannabis Podcasts
- “Weed + Grub” – Hosted by Mary Jane Gibson and Mike Glazer, this podcast covers a wide range of topics related to cannabis, including news, culture, cooking, and wellness. It has gained a large following due to its entertaining and informative approach.
- “The Cannabis Show” – Hosted by Kate and Hart, this podcast offers news, education, and interviews related to the cannabis industry. It is one of the most popular podcasts in Canada and has a loyal following of listeners.
- “The Roll-Up” – Hosted by Bruce Barcott, Alyssa Yeoman, and Hannah Staton, this podcast covers news and culture related to cannabis. It has gained a large following due to its engaging hosts and informative content.
- “The Green Rush” – Hosted by Anne Donohoe and Lewis Goldberg, this podcast offers news and analysis related to the cannabis industry. It is one of the most popular podcasts in the business category and has gained a reputation for its insightful interviews and analysis.
- “High Friends” – Hosted by April Pride, this podcast focuses on the social aspects of cannabis use and features interviews with industry insiders, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts.
- “She Blaze” – Hosted by Dasheeda Dawson, this podcast explores the intersection of cannabis and business, social justice, and women’s health.
- “The Mary Jane Experience” – Hosted by Casey Jones and Jacqui Childs, this podcast covers a wide range of topics related to cannabis, from health and wellness to social justice and politics.
- “The Cannabis Enigma” – Hosted by Dr. Regina Nelson, this podcast takes a scientific approach to understanding the therapeutic properties of cannabis and explores its potential to treat a variety of health conditions.
- “Cannabis Heals Me” – Hosted by Rachel Kennerly, this podcast features personal stories from people who have used cannabis to treat chronic health conditions.
- “Great Moments in Weed History with Abdullah and Bean” – Hosted by Abdullah Saeed and Bean, this podcast explores the rich history of cannabis and its impact on culture, politics, and society. It has gained a large following due to its engaging hosts and unique approach to storytelling.
Substance Market Supports Women in Cannabis
We support as many minority owned companies as we can in our industry. Substance partners with many different minority companies to bring you the best cannabis, made by people who genuinely care about what they’re producing. Stop into any of our stores to check our some of our products. You can also check any of our menus here.
Additionally, you can find more information on the vendors we work with here.
Happy Women’s Month from Substance Market!
Substance offers online ordering and curbside pickup for dabs and other fine products at all dispensary locations throughout Bend, OR and now at our newest location in Cottage Grove, OR.
