It’s Women’s History Month – a time to honor the unique stories of the women in our lives. There’s no shortage of amazing female-identifying leaders at our shop, and in the cannabis realm in general. Like most industries, however, the number of women in cannabis is fewer than men, especially those in top-level positions.

We’re not here to harp, though, because the future of cannabis is most definitely female! Women – specifically Gen-Z women – are the largest growing segment of cannabis consumers, and it’s time the industry itself reflected that. Bringing more women into the cannabis space starts with shining a light on those here already.

Of course, there is no single story that can ever represent what it means to be a woman – in cannabis and beyond. So, we sat down with three Marigold employees to gain their perspectives and personal connections to cannabis. With varying reasons for consumption and an extensive product lineup, it’s vital that our staff reflect the diversity of our customers in order to recommend the right hit for everyone that walks through our doors. And these ladies know their hits…

Sara, Assistant General Manager

Sara has been in the cannabis industry for nearly seven years, most of those spent growing with the Marigold family. She started using cannabis in her late 20s to combat side effects of epilepsy medication. The way cannabis changed her daily life was undeniable and that inspired her to share the benefits of cannabis with the masses.

What role has cannabis played in your life?

“If it wasn’t for cannabis, I don’t know that I would be who I am today. I went from waking up crying every single morning to being able to function. Cannabis is a life-changing medicine for me. I do smoke recreationally sometimes, but most of the time it’s 100 percent medicinal. I still take epilepsy medication, but I haven’t had a (major) seizure in two years because I consume cannabis daily.”

Why did you join cannabis industry?

“I was a stay-at-home mom looking to go back to work. I knew I wanted to take my customer service skills from a past job into cannabis because it was at that time that I got epilepsy and started consuming cannabis for medication side effects. Since I was using as much as I was, I decided I wanted to work with it and have been here ever since.”

What is your experience as a woman in the cannabis industry?

“In the very beginning, I felt like I had to work harder to prove that I can smoke as much as everybody else. But, if you stick with it, you prove that what you think is a ‘boy’s club’ really isn’t. It was mostly men in the industry then, and you have to get in where you fit in…but it’s not as hard anymore. I tell all the women that I train now that we have just as much power as everyone else and everyone at Marigold feels that. We have the number one customer service because of it – and I’m very proud of that.”

What do you wish people understood differently about cannabis?

“I wish people would understand that a lot of people do use cannabis recreationally, but that doesn’t make it not a medicine. Why is it not acceptable to go home and smoke after work, but it is to have a drink? Even if someone has no ailments, I don’t see how finding that relief is wrong. I see every kind of person in the dispensary – young, old, teachers, police officers – everybody. It blows my mind that people still think it’s a ‘drug’ – it’s just not. But I can see that minds are changing…”

What are some of your go-to products or recommendations?

“Anything 8 Inch Bagel – it’s the perfect hybrid and really does help most ailments and provide a happy euphoria. I also really like Aeriz Full Spectrum Hash Oil for its versatility. There are so many cannabinoids in there and they’re not taking anything out – you’re getting a true flower high that can add extra oomph to whatever you’re consuming.”

Meela, Shift Lead

After using cannabis recreationally and medicinally for many years, Meela knew she wanted to work with something she was passionate about. She’s been with Marigold for almost three years and is excited about continuing to spread awareness about cannabis’ many benefits.

What role has cannabis played in your life?

“I use cannabis for anxiety, pain relief, sleep, and mood-boosting. It’s both recreational and medicinal for me. After I broke my foot (in half!), I was using CBD and THC topicals and didn’t need to use pain killers. I smoked joints here and there, used topicals and called it a day.”

Why did you join cannabis industry?

“The group I was consuming cannabis with – we all love weed! – but we weren’t necessarily using it in all the right ways and getting the benefits we could have. So, I decided that I wanted to get educated and work in an environment with something I love. I was really passionate about educating people about cannabis anyways, so I felt it was a good career path.”

What is your experience as a woman in the cannabis industry?

“The women in this industry are all super supportive of each other. Even if we don’t know each other personally, we all stick together. The women that I have met and look up to – like the women of Mint, Kindred, Revelry, Paul Bunyan – it’s just like the girl gang coming together! They’ve shown me that it’s important to support other women.”

What do you wish people understood differently about cannabis?

“It’s an open market, but still feels so closed! Besides just ‘getting high,’ people are unaware of the benefits and how cannabis can help. I want to keep educating so we can get to point where it’s not this huge stigma; it’s not ‘just drugs’…it’s medicine for a lot of people and I wish people would understand that.”

What are some of your go-to products or recommendations?

“Personally, I love flower and recommend it as my favorite tool. My number one strain is Aeriz Ice Cream Cake and I like some of their newer strains that are more exotic, too. If I were to suggest one item to a patient, it would be Sublime Lemon Tea Cakes – soooo good! They’re medicated cakes that are super tasty.”

Erica, Shift Lead

Erica has experienced cannabis from every angle. Using cannabis recreationally and medicinally eventually led her to formally educate herself in medicinal cannabis, a brief stint in grow and trim operations, and finally, to Marigold, where she’s been for about a year.

What role has cannabis played in your life?

“I used cannabis back in the day – smoking out of apples, cans, you know, a ‘typical stoner kid’ – though, I don’t like that phrase. When I joined the military, I didn’t use cannabis for close to seven years. I was medically retired out [of the military], and I started to see some decline from the pain killers I was taking, and then it became really hard to balance them with some mental health issues I was facing. So, I started looking into medicinal cannabis.”

Why did you join cannabis industry?

“I was planning on using cannabis again [once out of the military] and I wanted to be involved in opening the medical marijuana program in Hawaii. I went to the Medical Marijuana Institute there and worked with people from Washington. They eventually started the program, but they didn’t get an actual storefront dispensary up and running for over two and a half years. I ended up leaving before that time…but I knew this was a direction I wanted to go in. So, I shifted my life to Arizona, had an interview two days after I got here, and it’s what I’ve been doing ever since.”

What is your experience as a woman in the cannabis industry?

“I do still think it’s a challenge in general and that women are just questioned a little more. You have to be very direct to get someone to take your opinions and recommendations sometimes. I do find, though, that when we have shifts with all women in the shop, people get so psyched and celebrate that it’s all females. Plus, those shifts always run so smoothly [laughter]…”

What do you wish people understood differently about cannabis?

“I definitely wish people would stop chasing the THC numbers and percentages. I understand that’s what the market is focusing on right now, which changed since the market opened recreationally. When we’re talking about quality cannabis and products that can really make a difference, though, it’s the cannabinoids and terpene profiles that are so important.”

What are some of your go-to products or recommendations?

“I primarily use flower and edibles. After being in this industry for 5+ years, I appreciate quality, clean flower. Even if you’re not a heavy smoker, you can tell the difference. Aeriz is pushing something that you can stand behind and something I use every day.”

After speaking to these women, it’s clear that their personal ties to cannabis and roads to Marigold differ, but their passion for and deep-rooted knowledge of cannabis binds them. They all exude an excitement for showing up to the shop every day to share the overwhelming benefits of cannabis that they understand firsthand. We’re so lucky to have them here at Marigold, and we hope more women can work in a space that appreciates every realm of experience and expertise on the regular. Now, go spark up and celebrate with women you hold in high regard!