alle
The National Women’s Collaborative (NWC) Empowers Women in the Cannabis Industry
The cannabis industry has always been a hub for visionaries, attracting cultivators, scientists, brand builders, and activists. Women have played a significant role in shaping the industry since its early days. However, as the market matures, women often find themselves pushed to the sidelines of leadership.
The NWC is on a mission to change that. This organization is dedicated to providing resources and opportunities for women to lead with strength, strategy, and authenticity. And this September, the NWC is bringing its signature event, the We Mean Business Summit, to Puerto Rico.
The Story Behind the Summit
The NWC was established in 2020 as a safe space for women to share ideas, exchange resources, and co-create opportunities. What started as a hub in Washington, D.C. quickly adapted to the digital era during the pandemic. Through online programming and an active community, the NWC has grown into a global network of over 2,800 members.
The group’s Women’s Wednesday series, a monthly virtual event, has become a lifeline for members seeking mentorship and professional development. This culture of exchange, or “the give and get,” as the NWC calls it, also drives the summits, making them more than just conferences. They are ecosystems of empowerment.
Why This Matters for Cannabis
While the cannabis industry remains one of the most dynamic in the world, women’s representation at the executive level has declined in recent years. The same women who fought stigma, opened dispensaries, and educated patients now face consolidation, barriers to capital, and persistent inequities in leadership.
Events like the We Mean Business Summit are crucial because they:
Highlight women leaders who have shaped cannabis from grassroots advocacy to corporate strategy.
Equip founders with tools to secure angel and venture funding, critical for women-owned businesses.
Build solidarity across industries, ensuring cannabis entrepreneurs are connected to broader networks.
Address well-being and burnout in a sector where regulation and stigma add unique pressures.
For women in cannabis, this is not just networking. It is survival, evolution, and future-proofing.
Cannabis on the Agenda
Among the many sessions at the We Mean Business Summit, a dedicated Women in Cannabis panel will bring together leaders shaping the field. Speakers include OG High Times contributor Sara Brittany Somerset, Mary Jane Oatman, Atty Scheril Murray Powell, Leah Heise, and Frances Gonzalez. They will share insights on resilience, representation, and the path forward for women in the industry.
Puerto Rico as a Setting
Holding the summit in Puerto Rico carries symbolism beyond the beautiful Caribbean backdrop. The island has its own evolving cannabis market, shaped by resilience and cultural identity. Since medical legalization in 2015, dispensaries have flourished, balancing local needs with tourism. However, entrepreneurs still face challenges in this emerging market.
By hosting the summit in Puerto Rico, the NWC is not only providing a unique setting for the event, but also highlighting the strength and potential of the island’s cannabis industry. It is a powerful statement of support for women in the industry and their contributions to its growth and success.
