Women’s History Month is a time to honor the achievements, resilience, and leadership of women across all industries, including cannabis! For far too long, the cannabis industry, like many others, has been dominated by men. But that is slowly changing, and Capeway Cannabis is proud to be a part of that change. As Carver’s first women-owned dispensary, we’re a business built on empowerment, education, and community.
So this month, we’re celebrating the incredible strides women have made in the cannabis space, recognizing the challenges they’ve overcome, and highlighting how Capeway Cannabis is paving the way for future generations.
Planting Seeds of Change: Women in Cannabis
Women have played a pivotal role in cannabis long before legalization and dispensaries were even a reality. Today, they are not only consumers but also business owners, cultivators, scientists, and policymakers.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Leadership
Before the legal market existed, women were instrumental in pushing for cannabis decriminalization, medical marijuana access, and social justice reform. Activists like Mary Jane Rathbun, AKA Brownie Mary, helped bring cannabis into the public eye, advocating for its medical benefits and providing infused edibles to AIDS patients in the 1980s.
Women have historically led grassroots movements to destigmatize cannabis, fight unjust policies, and advocate for its medical potential. Now, with legalization expanding across the country, more women are stepping into leadership roles in the industry, bringing a community-driven, wellness-focused perspective to cannabis.
Overcoming Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry
Despite the progress, the cannabis industry remains a tough space for women to thrive in.
- Access to Funding: This has been one of the biggest hurdles. Many women-owned cannabis businesses struggle to secure investments compared to their male counterparts.
- Representation in Leadership: With many major cannabis companies still being run by men, women face a lack of equal representation in the industry.
- Breaking Industry Stereotypes: Cannabis culture has long been shaped by a male-centric narrative.
But women aren’t backing down. Through collaborative networks, mentorship programs, and sheer determination, women are carving out their space and proving that they are just as capable (if not more so) of running successful, impactful businesses.
Women-Owned Cannabis Businesses in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is home to a growing number of women-led cannabis businesses, from dispensaries to product brands to advocacy organizations. As the industry continues to evolve, women are making their mark as entrepreneurs, innovators, and community leaders.
Capeway Cannabis is honored to help lead this movement. As Carver’s first women-owned dispensary, we are dedicated to uplifting and empowering women in the cannabis space. That means partnering with female-led brands, mentoring future women entrepreneurs, and simply creating a welcoming environment in our dispensary for all.
The Capeway Cannabis Story: A Women-Led Legacy
For sisters-in-law Lori and Michelle Hough, opening Capeway Cannabis was a direct way to change the dispensary experience. After visiting several shops, they noticed a common trend: the atmosphere felt sterile, intimidating, and impersonal. Instead of feeling welcomed, they felt like just another transaction in a long line of customers.
That experience sparked an idea: What if a dispensary could feel more like a community?
Led by Women, Built for Everyone:
So, in 2019, Lori and Michelle set out to redefine what a dispensary could be. Their goal was to create a space that feels warm, welcoming, and educational. They wanted everyone, no matter their experience level, to feel comfortable asking questions, exploring products, and truly understanding their cannabis choices.
That vision became Capeway Cannabis. From the moment you walk in the doors, you’ll notice the difference. Instead of a rushed, transactional feel, the Capeway team takes the time to listen, educate, and personalize your visit.
Capeway Cannabis is dedicated to breaking down barriers in the industry and uplifting others along the way. Representation matters, and seeing strong, driven women in leadership positions within cannabis is inspiring but also necessary. Lori and Michelle’s journey proves that women belong at the forefront of this industry, shaping more inclusive, accessible, and customer-focused dispensary experiences.
How You Can Support Women in Cannabis
Celebrating Women’s History Month is about actively supporting the achievements of women, not just recognizing them. The cannabis industry is still evolving, and women-owned businesses continue to face challenges. Your support makes a difference.
Here’s how you can uplift women in cannabis and beyond:
- Shop at women-owned dispensaries. Where you spend your money matters. By choosing to shop at women-owned dispensaries, you’re directly supporting female entrepreneurs and helping to create a more inclusive industry.
- Choose products from female-founded brands. Many incredible women-led cannabis brands are crafting high-quality products, from flower and edibles to concentrates and topicals, and your purchase helps them thrive. When you visit Capeway Cannabis, ask about women-owned brands on our menu.
- Advocate for more women in leadership roles. Women are making strides in cannabis, but there’s still work to do. Support policies that promote diversity in the industry, amplify women’s voices, and encourage companies to prioritize gender equity in leadership positions.
Join Us in Celebrating Women’s History Month
Women have long played a powerful role in shaping the cannabis industry, and Capeway Cannabis is proud to be a part of that legacy. By choosing to support women-led businesses, you’re helping build a cannabis community that makes room for everyone. This Women’s History Month, we invite you to celebrate with us at our carver dispensary.
Stop by our Massachusetts recreational dispensary, browse our online menu of women-led products, and experience the difference a female-founded dispensary makes. But, you’ll find more than just great products. You’ll discover a welcoming community at a dispensary near you. Join us in honoring the women who are shaping the future 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.