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Jane West is a trailblazer in the cannabis industry. In 2014, she cofounded Women Grow, a professional networking group for female cannabis entrepreneurs, with the goal of creating a more inclusive and diverse industry. The group’s first event, held in Denver, Colorado, attracted 70 attendees. Fast forward to today, Women Grow has chapters in 44 cities, 21,000 newsletter subscribers, and 30,000 followers on Instagram.
West was inspired to start Women Grow after noticing the lack of diversity in the cannabis industry. “I was stunned that the industry was mostly made up of Caucasian men,” she said. “It didn’t seem right. My vision of the industry was to have more women in it.” With Women Grow, West aims to provide a space for women to connect, learn, and support each other in a male-dominated industry.
Women Grow aims to empower women in the cannabis industry by providing networking opportunities, educational resources, and a supportive community. The organization holds monthly events in cities across the country, featuring industry experts, entrepreneurs, and advocates. These events cover a range of topics, from business development and marketing to regulatory updates and social justice issues.
In addition to its events, Women Grow offers online resources, such as webinars, articles, and networking opportunities. The organization also hosts an annual leadership summit, bringing together women from around the country to learn, connect, and celebrate their achievements in the industry.
One of the key goals of Women Grow is to create a more inclusive and diverse cannabis industry. The organization actively works to address issues of racial and gender inequality within the industry, advocating for policies that promote diversity and equity. Women Grow also collaborates with other organizations and advocates for social justice and criminal justice reform.
West’s vision for Women Grow goes beyond simply increasing the number of women in the industry. She believes that by creating a more diverse and inclusive cannabis industry, we can foster innovation, creativity, and sustainability. “When you have diversity in an industry, you have different voices, different perspectives, and that leads to better outcomes,” she said.
The success of Women Grow is a testament to the growing presence and influence of women in the cannabis industry. As more states legalize cannabis for medical and recreational use, opportunities for women to enter the industry are expanding. Women are starting businesses, developing new products, and shaping the future of the industry.
Women Grow is not only a networking group for female cannabis entrepreneurs; it is also a movement for social change. By advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the cannabis industry, Women Grow is driving positive change in the industry and beyond. West’s vision of a more inclusive and diverse industry is becoming a reality, thanks to the efforts of Women Grow and its members.
As the cannabis industry continues to grow and evolve, organizations like Women Grow will play a vital role in shaping its future. By providing support, resources, and advocacy for women in the industry, Women Grow is empowering women to succeed and thrive in this rapidly expanding field. Jane West’s vision of a more inclusive and equitable cannabis industry is being realized through the work of Women Grow, and the impact of their efforts will be felt for years to come.
