
For Women's History Month, Cannabis Business Times is highlighting some of the most powerful female trailblazers who are paving the way across multiple sectors of the cannabis industry.
Today, on International Women's Day, we would like to shine light on the women of the 2023 Cannabis Conference Advisory Board and their hardships, achievements and contributions to the cannabis industry.
Celebrating the achievements of women who lead, inspire and motivate, here are six women who have gone above and beyond in making themselves and companies a prominent player within the space.

Laurie Parfitt, Principal, LKP Impact Consulting:
1. What challenges do you face as a woman in the cannabis industry? How did you overcome those challenges?
It is difficult to be a woman in any industry. Women have always faced challenges, but they become more amplified in smaller, more nascent industries. When the cannabis industry started to emerge, we all thought that it was a chance for women and minorities to take the reins. Unfortunately, less than 10% of CEOs in the industry are female and even less are minorities. To overcome this, I decided to forge my own path. I started my own company and aligned with people all over the industry where we could help each other grow. Cultivating a community across multiple areas in the industry has been instrumental to helping me be successful and build meaningful relationships.
2. What advice do you have for other women looking to make an impact in the cannabis space?
There is so much opportunity within the cannabis space. My advice to other women is that you should start building your personal brand. To do this, you need to know who you are and what you want to be within the space. It is important to approach it like building any other brand. From there, you can create your own place in the industry. It is not about what opportunities are out there, it is about creating opportunities for yourself and others.
3. What inspires you in your work?
When I joined the industry, I had no idea what an impact it would have on me as a person and a professional. I find it truly inspiring to be in a position to help people live better lives. We are giving people an opportunity to take back their own healthcare and manage their wellness, their way. Helping others while taking an industry out of the shadows and into the light is incredibly inspiring to me. Together we rise!

Debby Goldsberry, Cannabis Writer and Adviser
1. What challenges do you face as a woman in the cannabis industry? How did you overcome those challenges?
The cannabis industry has gone from grassroots movement to industrial capitalism so fast that it's hard to grasp. As such, women face the same challenges found in non-cannabis businesses, including wage disparity, lack of advancement opportunities, and a lack of female leadership. The way forward is to insist on workplace equality and create opportunities for small, grassroots businesses in a big business world. That all depends on speaking up; being polite and waiting your turn will not work. It's time to step right in, make your own space, and demand to be heard. Interrupt, get in the way, disrupt, and fight for fairness.
2. What advice do you have for other women looking to make an impact in the cannabis space?
The way to make an impact is through small business ownership or making it to a significant position in a larger company. If you are not the boss or owner, your voice won't be heard as loudly, and if someone doesn't like what you have to say, it's easy to get sidelined. My advice is to be your boss, to found companies, to start non-profits, and to take C-suite roles, board seats, and shareholder positions whenever possible. Let's support our own dreams, keep ourselves in the number one position, and thrive through being our authentic selves. Forget trying to mold yourself into a model of American capitalism, as the system has been designed for others; instead, disrupt it and make it your own.
3. What inspires you in your work?
I am inspired to keep working to build a kinder society. I had originally thought simply legalizing cannabis was enough, but it's not. The culture surrounding the plant is gentle and kind, but the money aspect has somewhat squashed that. I am inspired by creativity, out-of-the-box thinking, and the idea of creating a better future.


Hope Wiseman, Owner, Mary & Main Dispensary
1. What challenges do you face as a woman in the cannabis industry? How did you overcome those challenges?
This industry is full of corporate and even legacy "bro" circles. As a woman, I have had to navigate these waters carefully. Making sure to align myself with male colleagues that embrace diversity in their companies has allowed me to create a network of peers that make me feel welcome and celebrated in the space. Plus, companies run by women tend to be more profitable. ... I think people are starting to realize how important the woman's perspective is and how it must be considered throughout all business decision making.
2. What advice do you have for other women looking to make an impact in the cannabis space?
My biggest advice would be to lean into the things that make you unique. As a woman, you may feel the need to conform or create businesses, products, or services that are not in alignment with your true ethos. Women in cannabis are here to stay. ... We own businesses and we consume the products, and the participation from both sides is only going to grow from here.
3. What inspires you in your work?
I am inspired by the opportunity to build wealth and legacy for my family and turn around and teach others how to do the same. The first thing that drew me to the cannabis industry was the opportunity to enter a fast-growing emerging industry at the ground floor level. Many industries have passed by the black community, leaving black families decades behind on wealth building opportunities. The racist history of this industry alone is enough of a reason for Black and Brown ownership to be prioritized in this space. I am inspired every day by the opportunity to build an industry that facilitates wealth in the Black community.


Megan Carl, Assistant Cultivation Manager, Fire Rock Farms
1. What challenges do you face as a woman in this industry? How do you overcome those challenges?
The schedule can be challenging to work with. Plants are always growing. They don’t celebrate holidays or take weekends off, so that means you don’t either. The “always on” and “no days off” nature of this industry can be challenging as a woman. The sacred female cycle can definitely be a challenge in this industry but learning to harness that power and use it to my advantage has made me a stronger person than I thought I was. My “photoperiod” consistently begins on a harvest; however, I’ve found ways to harvest my own divine feminine and power through the challenges. On those days, it is important to slow down to get there faster. Do what is in front of you, then move on to the next task. Openly communicate, ask for help when feeling overwhelmed, and stay hydrated!
2. What advice do you have for women looking to make an impact in the cannabis industry?
The industry is very competitive and farming isn’t easy. Find out what you bring to the table, and do it with conviction. Then, keep doing it. Show up. Show initiative and be flexible. As difficult as it may be, don’t get attached to your emotions, thoughts or opinions. Be reliable, and don’t give up when things get tough. You will learn the most about yourself when things get difficult. So, when the pressure builds, be a diamond. Ultimately, if you want to make an impact in the industry, Britney Spears has the best advice: “You better work, bitch.”
3. What inspires you in your work?
The truth is, I’m not always motivated. The daily grind is a hustle and not easy to keep up with. This industry isn’t different from most as it is male-dominated and profit-driven, but this industry has one thing that keeps me positive: her, the plant. She is an ancient teacher places on this earth for us to learn from. What a privilege it is to work alongside her unconditional love. I get to be a part of something that I actually believe in, something that is so much bigger than myself. Something that is real. It’s a privilege to work in an industry that lifts the collective consciousness of the planet. I chose to pursue a career in this industry because I wanted to be a part of something that would change the landscape of our time. Zooming out and reflecting how far I’ve comes helps keep me motivated.


Lindsey Renner, Owner, Native Humboldt Farms
1. What challenges do you face as a woman in this industry? How do you overcome those challenges?
As with any male-dominated industry, women face gender bias and have to work harder to be taken seriously, but I believe we are starting to see that shift. I honestly don't pay much attention to it. I keep my head down, and I focus on whatever project I have in front of me at the moment. I take myself seriously, and I know that I am capable. If the male-dominated industry doesn't, then I'm just going to keep working as hard as I can until they can't deny it! In my opinion, being a woman in the cannabis industry is an advantage, so let them keep pretending like it's not.
2. What advice do you have for women looking to make an impact in the cannabis industry?
For women entering the cannabis space, my advice would be, don't give any thought to gender bias and just keep pushing forward. It exists, yes, but don't let it define your existence in the industry. Women offer a unique and diverse perspective. We are innovative, we are compassionate, we are nurturing and empathetic. In my opinion, all of these qualities help women to foster stronger relationships with stakeholders such as consumers, employees and investors. This is a strategic advantage. My advice is to treat it as such. Lean into your strengths as a woman in the cannabis industry. Leverage your unique and diverse experiences and qualities to forge a new path forward. We may be the minority now, but who knows, if we continue to push forward the way we are doing now, we may be the majority soon.
3. What inspires you in your work?
The challenge is what inspires me. The challenge to prove them all wrong. Women are just as capable if not more capable than men when it comes to cannabis. The cannabis industry has shown me just how strong and resilient I am. I'm inspired to help other women realize their strength and potential as well. It's time to break the glass ceiling! I'm inspired by all of the other women in the industry forming alliances, networking together, advocating for change, and leading the way.

Mackenzie Wilcox, Director - Compliance/Legal, PharmaCann, Inc.
1. What challenges do you face as a woman in this industry? How do you overcome those challenges?
One of the biggest challenges facing women, and the industry as a whole, is the continued stigma around cannabis. While the evolution of the industry continues, there is still a lingering misconception over the type of individuals who work in the space. As a cannabis attorney, coach and mom, it is crucial that I, and others around me, continue to advocate for the safety, efficacy and professionalism in the industry. I have learned to overcome this challenge by gaining confidence and feeling fulfilled in continuing to do my part to impact regulations, provide paths to career development and increase industry professionalism in my daily endeavors.
2. What advice do you have for women looking to make an impact in the cannabis industry?
My recommendation for women looking to make an impact is to get involved and not be afraid to share opinions and ideas. As this industry as a whole continues to grow and change, it is critical that those looking to make an impact have a seat at the table. While this may not be easily accessible through traditional corporate avenues, the cannabis industry has established a reputation for comradery, learning and fellowship. This includes a magnitude of networking events, national conferences, mentorship groups and women's organizations. For example, the Illinois Women in Cannabis is a growing organization that hosts events, seminars and networking opportunities. For those looking to meet people, share their learnings, or solely receive more information, finding organizations, publications, and events can be a great first step.
3. What inspires you in your work?
My work in cannabis has been inspired by strong female mentors. Throughout my time in the industry, I have been fortunate to learn from some of the most experienced, thoughtful, and knowledgeable women in the industry. Through this mentorship, I have learned how to push boundaries in such a regulated industry. Beyond the challenges of the ever-changing market, the cannabis industry provides an opportunity for development, specifically in the legal and compliance sectors, and can serve as a platform for regulatory change.
Editor's Note: Anna Shreeve, President of Urban Paragon, Inc., Targeted Intent, Inc., and The Bakeréé, and member of the Cannabis Conference 2023 Advisory Board was not available to participate.
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