The History of Women in Cannabis – March 2026 | Bask Dispensary Massachusetts
March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the women who have shaped culture, science, and social progress—including the evolving cannabis industry. While cannabis history often highlights male figures, women have been instrumental in advocacy, medicine, entrepreneurship, and legalization efforts for centuries. From ancient herbalists to modern dispensary founders, women have helped transform cannabis from a stigmatized plant into a thriving wellness and business sector.
At Bask Dispensary in Massachusetts, we recognize the powerful contributions of women who paved the way for today’s cannabis community.
Early Women Healers and Herbalists
Long before modern legalization, women were often the primary healers and herbal practitioners in their communities. Historical texts show that female herbalists used hemp and cannabis for medicinal purposes centuries ago.
One early example is Hildegard von Bingen, a 12th-century mystic and natural healer who documented the therapeutic properties of hemp in her medical writings. She believed the plant could help soothe pain and aid healing, making her one of the earliest recorded advocates for cannabis as medicine.
These early herbal traditions helped establish cannabis as a plant with therapeutic potential long before modern science began studying cannabinoids.
The Activists Who Changed Cannabis History
The modern cannabis movement owes much to fearless activists who challenged prohibition laws. One of the most iconic figures in cannabis history is Mary Jane Rathbun, better known as Brownie Mary.
During the AIDS crisis in the 1980s, she baked and distributed cannabis-infused brownies to patients suffering from severe symptoms. Her activism helped draw attention to the medical benefits of cannabis and contributed to the movement that eventually led to medical legalization in California.
Despite being arrested multiple times, Brownie Mary’s compassion and determination helped spark conversations about cannabis as medicine and paved the way for dispensaries and patient access programs across the United States.
Women Driving Cannabis Policy and Social Justice
Women have also played crucial roles in shaping cannabis policy and social equity initiatives.
For example, Shaleen Title served as a commissioner on the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission and helped design equity-focused policies intended to make the industry more inclusive.
These policies aim to address injustices caused by decades of prohibition, particularly those tied to the War on Drugs, which disproportionately impacted communities of color.
Advocates like Title and many others continue to ensure that legalization includes opportunities for people historically affected by cannabis criminalization.
Women Entrepreneurs in the Cannabis Industry
As legalization spreads across the United States, women are increasingly stepping into leadership roles in cannabis science, retail, and entrepreneurship.
Wanda James made history as the first Black woman to own a licensed cannabis dispensary in the U.S. with Simply Pure in Colorado. She has also been a vocal advocate for diversity and mentorship in the industry.
In the scientific field, Rowshan Reordan founded the first accredited woman-owned cannabis and hemp testing laboratory in the United States, helping establish safety standards and scientific credibility in the industry.
Organizations like Women Grow continue to support female entrepreneurs by providing networking, education, and resources designed to build a stronger, more diverse cannabis industry.
Women Shaping Cannabis Culture Today
Beyond business and policy, women are also redefining cannabis culture itself. Publications such as Broccoli Magazine celebrate cannabis through art, culture, and lifestyle storytelling created specifically for women.
This cultural shift is helping normalize cannabis use among diverse audiences while challenging outdated stereotypes about cannabis consumers.
The Future of Women in Cannabis
Despite significant progress, women still face challenges in the cannabis industry, including funding barriers and leadership representation. However, the momentum is growing.
From scientists and activists to dispensary owners and wellness advocates, women continue to push the industry toward innovation, inclusivity, and responsible growth. Their work ensures cannabis remains rooted in community, compassion, and education.
Celebrate Women’s History Month with Bask Dispensary
As a women led organization, Bask Dispensary celebrates the women who have shaped cannabis history and continue to drive the industry forward today. Women’s History Month is an opportunity to honor the trailblazers who fought for legalization, expanded medical research, and helped create the vibrant cannabis culture we enjoy today.
Whether you’re exploring cannabis for wellness, creativity, or relaxation, remember that the modern cannabis movement owes much of its progress to the resilience and vision of women.
Happy Women’s History Month from Bask Dispensary Massachusetts.