WEED AFICIONADO “Cannabis Contributors: Cultivation Classic highlights women in Oregon’s industry” by Becky Garrison

The contributions of women to Oregon’s cannabis community were front and center at this year’s Cultivation Classic in Portland. Among the 28 main-stage speakers, 19 were women, including six women of color. Andi Bixel, creator of Drip Sweets, served as main-stage emcee. Also, every presenter for the May event’s four workshops identified as female.

The Truth About Women in Cannabis, a panel led by Lisa Snyder and Samantha Montanaro, co-creators of Tokeativity, a cannabis community for women, highlighted the realities of women working in the cannabis industry. Seven female entrepreneurs, representing diverse ethnicities and sexual orientations, offered short testimonies to the unique struggles they face as women in their endeavors. From sexual harassment to racial profiling, these women painted a picture that illuminates the dichotomy between the cannabis plant that brought them healing and the growth of a commercialized cannabis industry that discounts their experiences and contributions.

Read more in Vol. 2 Issue 5 of Weed Aficionado