Current Landscape of Female Leadership

Despite being a male-dominated field, the North American legal cannabis industry is witnessing a noteworthy increase in female executives. A 2023 report titled “Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Cannabis Industry” indicates that women now hold 39% of executive positions, a significant rise from previous years’ figures of 23.1% and 12.1%.

This trend signifies a positive shift as women participate more robustly in leadership roles, which is particularly relevant as we enter Women’s History Month.

Insights from Industry Leaders

Lynn Gefen, the Chief People and Legal Officer at TerrAscend, has observed significant accomplishments in this area. “In 2023, women comprised 50.31% of law firm associates,” she noted, emphasizing the increasing presence of women in various sectors, including cannabis, where U.S. sales peak at $30 billion, allowing for more leadership opportunities. She added, “I am excited to continue to see more and more women excel in the cannabis space, knowing that diversity fuels innovation and progress.”

The Importance of Female Support Networks

Building a supportive network among women is crucial for achieving gender parity in pay and job opportunities. According to Wendy Bronfein, co-founder and Chief Brand Officer of Curio Wellness, it’s not just about leadership; women are increasingly influential as consumers and patients in the cannabis space. Studies indicate that women aged 19 to 30 are consuming cannabis at higher rates than their male counterparts. “The role of women in shaping the future of cannabis is undeniable,” Bronfein stated.

Challenges and Opportunities

The path to leadership can still be daunting due to the limited number of female role models in executive positions. Dina Rollman, CEO of StrainBrain, pointed out that the cannabis industry shares challenges with the tech sector regarding the scarcity of female CEOs. “I hope that as the cannabis industry continues to evolve, career advancement will become less linear, facilitating more women in cannabis and cannabis-tech to rise to leadership roles,” Rollman added.

Celebrating Legacy and Future Potential

Cristy Aranguiz, CEO and co-founder of Cannabis & Glass, emphasizes the importance of recognizing both past and future contributions by women in the industry. “Let us celebrate not just the women who came before us, but the ones who will rise to lead tomorrow,” she urged. Aranguiz, who is a Latina and first-generation immigrant, highlighted the barriers faced by women and minorities, stressing the importance of advocacy for social equity. “If I can inspire even one Latina to trust herself and forge her own path, I’ll know we are building a future where every woman has an equal chance to thrive,” she concluded.