Weed is a woman! For ages, divine female energy has been linked to the cannabis plant. The sweet bud and flower from cannabis we all smoke and love, is in fact, from a female cannabis plant. Today, numerous cannabis brands and products are owned and made by (and for) women worldwide.
Keep reading to learn about the many incredible women who have made an impact in cannabis culture.
5 Women Who Paved the Way for Cannabis Culture
From ancient cannabis use to the many innovative products of the present day – the cannabis industry and its culture have brought forth many incredible and influential women who have advocated for the plant.
Here are 5 of the many women who have paved the way for our new legal cannabis reality:
Mary Jane Rathbun (Brownie Mary)
Meet “Brownie Mary,” the legendary figure who turned your average pot brownie into a form of cannabis activism.
In the 1980s, Mary Jane Rathbun first became a beloved icon for her homemade cannabis-infused brownies. At the time, she was a registered nurse by profession, using her baking skills to provide medicinal cannabis to AIDS patients at San Francisco General Hospital.
When friends around her began to call her Brownie Mary, it was because her baked goods were more than just tasty treats—they were a lifeline for those in need; patients were experiencing immense pain, fatigue, and nausea from the disease, and these infused brownies provided by Mary were a sweet remedy for the pain.
Brownie Mary fought against the prohibition of medical cannabis and was arrested multiple times over the years. Mary’s dedication to compassionate care and her fight for medical marijuana helped shift public perception and paved the way for medical cannabis legalization. She is a true pioneer who demonstrated how a little bit of activism can make a huge difference to her surrounding community.
Margaret Mead
Margaret Mead wasn’t just a groundbreaking anthropologist—she was also a vocal advocate for the potential benefits of cannabis. Her work in cultural anthropology explored how different societies view and use cannabis. Studies and information she researched over the years contributed to the broader understanding of its role in human culture.
She pushed the boundaries on identifying and researching the various effects and therapeutic benefits of plants such as cannabis.
Her open-minded approach and willingness to challenge conventional views helped spark important conversations about the plant and its cultural significance.
Madeline Martinez
Madeline Martinez is a powerhouse in the cannabis activism world, especially within the Latinx community. As the founder of the NORML Women’s Alliance and a leading voice in NORML’s Latinx advocacy, Martinez has been instrumental in promoting cannabis legalization and social justice.
Her work focuses on addressing disparities within the cannabis industry and advocating for equitable policies. Madeline’s tireless efforts have helped elevate the voices of marginalized communities and push for more inclusive cannabis reform.
Billie Holiday
The iconic jazz singer of the 1930s – 50s, Billie Holiday was more than just a musical genius—she was an influential figure in cannabis culture through her artistry, music, and lyrics.
Known for her hauntingly beautiful voice and powerful songs, Holiday’s music often touched on themes of struggle, social justice, and liberation. She infamously became an example of Harry Anslinger’s War on Drugs, which pushed her even harder to raise her voice and become an advocate.
Her work has resonated with many, contributing to the broader cultural conversation around cannabis and its impact on people’s lives during such a pivotal era in American history.
Alice O’Leary Randall
Alice O’Leary Randall, the wife of Robert Carl Randall, played a crucial role in cannabis history that continues to impact the lives of many women and patients today. Robert, who suffered from glaucoma, was among the first individuals to legally obtain medical cannabis in the U.S.
Together, they advocated for patients’ rights and access to medical cannabis, challenging unfair drug policies and striving for a more equitable healthcare system. Their efforts not only helped establish legal frameworks for medical cannabis but also emphasized the need for compassionate, evidence-based drug policies
From activists to artists, these trailblazers have shaped cannabis culture in inspiring ways. The rest is history!
Honoring the Divine Feminine in Cannabis
The insights, efforts, and advocacy of each of these women helped lay the groundwork for the progressive cannabis landscape in which we live.
In honor of the incredible women who have carved cannabis culture into what it is today – browse our NJ dispensary menu, grab your favorite cannabis strain, roll up, spark up, and let’s celebrate these heroines of cannabis!
The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
