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66 women-led cannabis companies to watch in 2023

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Here are Leafly’s 66 women-owned and operated companies to watch this year and beyond.


Do you believe only 20% of cannabis companies are women owned? It’s true. That’s only 1 out of 5. And according to a report by MJBiz, the number of women in cannabis businesses is actually decreasing.

Miss Grass x WEED FROM WOMEN bag special women's month edition.
Shoutout to Buy Weed From Women and Miss Grass for dropping their latest 4(THE)20 WOMEN’S MONTH BAG, which has shined a light on the shocking statistic that only one in five weed businesses is woman-owned. (Miss Grass)

Only 10% or less of businesses in Massachusetts and Ohio qualify as women-owned. So while the cannabis plants that we all love to consume are all female, women are being left out of ownership roles in the industry the at large.

To eliminate any excuse for “not knowing” any women-owned companies to support, we’ve compiled a list of 66 to explore throughout this year. They’re broken up into three categories: Brands, license holders, and non-plant touching companies that specialize in accessories, services, and community-building.


Top women owned cannabis brands in 2023

(AdobeStock)

These 24 women-driven brands are on the rise. Keep an eye out for them to make even more noise on the national stage in 2023.

Dose of Saucy

Dose of Saucy is a Black woman-owned company that specializes in creating delicious THC-infused sauces & condiments. Despite the brand being based in California,Tess Taylor, founder of Saucy, is shamelessly Texan to the core and we love it. It’s hard to miss the cowgirl details all over Saucy’s brand. Their signature Sweet Heat Texas Style BBQ Sauce is a perfect blend of tangy, smoky, and sweet flavors that can enhance your high & the taste of literally any foods you want. If you’re looking for an extra spice, you’ll have to try their Mama T’s Southern Hot Sauce.

Gift of Doja

Gift of Doja is a women of color created cannabis equity brand, specializing in honoring the vibe of all beings and all things. curating cannabis flower and products based on their unique Appellations of Origin, soil care and thoughtful cultivation process by the farmers. Gift of Doja factors in the terpene profiles, which are the essential oils produced by the plant, as well as the cannabinoid content; which are the compounds that make a person feel lit; into the curation process, ensuring that the consumer has a unique experience with every jar. 

xula

Based in Mexico City. Organically grown in the USA. Karina Primelles and Mennlay Golokeh Aggrey are the dynamic duo leading xula, a Latin and Black-owned CBD brand. xula intersects their herbal index featuring ingredients like black cohosh root, motherwort, and kava root with a cannabinoid-based approach to women’s health. Xula has recently collaborated with fellow woman-owned brand, Barbari, to create the Period Daze Spliff to help with mother nature’s monthly gift.

(AdobeStock)

CAM

Anna Willey is the owner of CAM (California Aristinal Medicine), a Sacramento based cannabis cultivator and delivery company. As a Sacramento-based cultivator, CAM has carved their own recognition and affinity among reputable brands like Connected California, Alien Labs, and Doja Pak. From Biscotti Otti Otti to Kush Mints, CAM’s selection, quality, and variety of flavors is a testament to their dedication to cannabis enthusiasts and the culture.

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But A Cake

A pastry chef by trade with over 15 years of experience in food and health regulation and compliance. ButACake, an infused edibles cannabis brand with a strong and established legacy market, hemp and adult use cannabis following With An Associate of Arts and Sciences (A.A.S.) degree in Baking and Pastry Arts from Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Culinary Arts Graduating Class of 2010, ButACake takes the CAKE in 100% handmade from scratch treats.  ButACake is a cannabis brand specializing in educating and feeding consumers on the benefits of alternative cannabis consumption.

Miss Grass

Big bag: Miss Grass prices half-ounces to move. (Courtesy Miss Grass)
Big bag: Miss Grass prices half-ounces to move. (Courtesy Miss Grass)

Miss Grass is a long-time digital community turned full-fledged national brand founded by Kate Miller and Anna Duckworth. Miss Grass was created to ensure women have a community where they can access cannabis safely, thoughtfully, and intentionally. You can get your hands on Miss Grass pre-rolls and flower in states like California, Massachusetts, and now in Kate’s home state of New Jersey.

Pleasure Peaks

Pleasure Peaks is a cannabinoid sexual health company that creates cannabis-infused sexual wellness products like their infused sexual lubricant. The company was founded in 2019 by Antuanette Gomes and is 100% Black, female, and LGBTQ owned and operated. Pleasure Peaks offers a variety of products beyond their signature cannabis-infused lubricants like massage oils, arousal sprays, and bath salts. In Canada, Peak Pharms Labs the sister company that has is launching their THC line of suppositories available in Canada.

dreamt

dreamt founders women in cannabis
Carolina Vazquez Mithcell (left) and Dr. Jannise Babbush (right) lead dreamt. (courtesy of dreamt)

Founded by two science minds, Carolina Vazquez Mithcell and Dr. Jannise Babbush, dreamt is a California-based brand with the mission to tap into cannabis’ potential as a sleep aid. Dreamt offers a variety of products, including cannabis-infused tinctures, capsules, gummies, and vapes that are specifically formulated to help you unwind and drift away. This is the first brand from Ciencia Labs, a female & minority-owned company based in Los Angeles that produces a house of cannabis brands including Luchador gummies.

Potli

Potli is a woman-owned cannabis company that specializes in creating premium, hemp-derived CBD-infused pantry staples like honey, olive oil, chili oil, and apple cider vinegar. Founded in 2017 by Felicity Chen and Christine Yi, Potli’s mission is to make high-quality CBD products accessible to everyone. Small, family-run farms in Northern California are the source of Potli’s CBD, and the company is dedicated to adopting sustainable and organic methods throughout its entire supply chain.

GUMBO Brands

VP of Natura Josh Schmidt (left), Cookies CEO Berner (middle), and GUMBO co-owner Alexis Majors (right) were part of the VIP grand opening of Cookies Thailand in Bangkok on January 21, 2023. (Mikhail Harrison / Leafly)
Alexis Majors (right) celebrates the Cookies Thailand grand opening with Dee Thai co-founder Josh Schmidt (left), Cookies CEO Berner (middle). (Mikhail Harrison / Leafly)

Alexis Major-Allison is the co-founder and COO of GUMBO Brands, one of the fastest brands that has partnered with Cookies to launch in a wide-range of stores across the country, including Cookies’ newly opened Thailand dispensary. Alexis and her partner Karim Butler (aka Luka Brazi) have been hustling to impact the industry with their strain and roster of celebrity affiliations like Moneybagg Yo, Meek Mill, and their own GUMBO Radio slot on New York City’s Hot 97 FM radio station.

Related

28 grams of game: GUMBO’s Luka Brazi breaks down his NYC come-up

Renegade Piranha

Renegade Piranha is a self-made weed roller to the stars. Other clients include Kid Cudi, Jadakiss, Drake, Madonna, Rihanna, and JR Smith. Oh, and the infamous Elon Musk smoking meme? She rolled that joint. Piranha got the gig in 2016 through a mutual friend who was growing with Snoop’s cannabis soil company, Snoop’s Premium Nutrients. They wanted to gift Snoop weed grown with his product, rolled and ready to puff. In order to enter Snoop’s inner circle, she had to show her stuff in a roll-off with two other contenders, including a sound engineer who came at Snoop’s recommendation.

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The Congo Club

The Congo Club was founded by Amber Senter, cannabis pioneer, equity advocate, and co-founder of Supernova Women, an organization formed by and for women of color to foster community empowerment in the cannabis economy. The Congo Club is one of the few places that carry the Red Congolese: an heirloom strain, which provides an electrifying, thought provoking and optimistic high. Considered to be one of the most sought-after Bay Area strains, it’s truly one not to be missed.

Barbari

Originally from Oregon, Meryl Montgomery and Valerie Sakota are co-founders of Barbari, an herbal blends brand. Barbari walks a path for both THC and CBD flower options mixed with herbal smoking blends made from a variety of natural ingredients such as marshmallow leaf, mullein, and lavender. Barbari products are made for conscious wellness and do not contain any tobacco or nicotine, making them a healthier alternative to traditional smoking.

Love Herb

Erinique Owens, founder, is bringing adaptogens to CBD with her Love Herb brand based in California. Erinique turned to CBD during her long quest to overcome a range of medical concerns, including insomnia and chronic back pain. Tired of treatments that cost too much and didn’t quite work, she began consuming different doses and formats of CBD, adaptogens, and other herbal remedies. Love Herb aims to provide feel-great solutions through cannabis and medicinal mushrooms, creating a mainstream awareness of the positive impact they can have on mind & body.

Kush Queen

Kush Queen is a California-based cannabis brand founded by Olivia Alexander in 2015. With award-winning products in both their transdermal patches and their bath bomb, Kush Queen knows wellness. Since launch, Kush Queen’s bath bombs have become the number one cannabis bath bomb in the game created with both THC and CBD formulations.

Astral Treats

Elle Rahman is the co-founder of Astral Treats, a uniquely cosmic edibles brand launched in Oregon in 2020.  Working with her partner Kevin Collins, the Astral Treats team has been able to create their one-of-a-kind star shaped gummies with tropical, refreshing flavor profiles like Dragon Fruit, Grapefruit, and Lychee. Next time you’re in Oregon, support a woman-owned brand.

Sheba Baby!

Sheba Baby, a new wellness-centric cannabis brand is being launched by long-time industry leader, Mary Pryor. Debuting in New York & California, Sheba Baby follows the motto “self care is a habit” with a heavy foundation on integrative wellness. Expect pre-rolls, lip care, retail experiences, and more from Sheba Baby that blend holistic ingredients like sandalwood and peppermint to compliment joints infused with THC-A.

Flower By Edie Parker

Brett Heyman, founder of Edie Parker, has built one of the most recognizable cannabis fashion brands in the industry today. With a chic high-end aesthetic, Edie Parker makes their lane for women who want fire weed in a fire handbag.

Pwincess Cutt by Queen Pee

Queen Pee shows off her Pwincess Cutt weed at the Joke's Up Ice Kream Dispensary grand opening in Santa Monica, CA. (Amennu McGruder / Leafly)
Queen Pee shows off her Pwincess Cutt weed at the Joke’s Up Ice Kream Dispensary grand opening in Santa Monica, CA. (Amennu McGruder / Leafly)

The vision for the booming Joke’s Up Ice Kream store in Studio City came from Queen Pee, a marketing maven with a best-selling brand in California’s Cookies stores. She found the Ice Kream location while knocking on doors in search of new stores to carry her Pwincess Cutt strain, which comes in a diamond-shaped bag.

Related

First toke: Joke’s Up Ice Kream dispensary grand opening taste test

Her Highness NYC

Luxury cannabis meets a female-forward approach. Her Highness NYC co-founders, Allison Krongard and Laura Eisman, have dedicated their career to creating innovative cannabis products that engage “harmoniously with the female body”. From THC to CBD to witty accessories, in Her Highness, you can trust.

Sonder Time

Faun Chapin and M. Paradise are the masterminds behind California-based brand, Sonder. With roots in the industry, Faun is a second generation cannabis entrepreneur who’s mother actually cultivated cannabis in Mendocino County. Initially known for their Sonder Space Crystals (aka pop rock-esque candy), Sonder has since focused on sharing the highest quality sungrown cannabis oils.

Substance

Reparations through cannabis brought to you by Sharoz Makarechi and Substance, a premium pre-roll brand. Sharoz has committed to the social impact as a true core of the brand. Substance is putting their money where their mouth is by donating $8.46 per pack of pre-rolls sold to organizations fighting to end mass incarceration.

Node Labs

Node Labs CEO Lauren Avenius
(Node Labs)

Lauren Avenius is CEO of Node Labs, which works with Compound Genetics and other top breeders to develop and preserve the world’s best strains. “If breeders are the artists, Node is the recording studio,” Avenius told Honeysuckle last year. Node and Compound run a state of the art facility deep in the NorCal mountains that harbors hundreds of prized genetics at any given time. Node is the licensor and plant-touching home of Compound, facilitating game-changing collabs with everyone from Berner to Wiz Khalifa to 2 Chainz, pushing the plant’s creative limits with every node.

grown

grown CBD miami company CEO Shannon Allen
(courtesy of grown)

Shannon Allen founded this Miami-based CBD based business that’s flying off the shelves. Known as CEO and “Grownwoman,” Allen ensures that grown only serves real, slow-cooked food. With locations in South Miami, Miami Gardens, and Flamingo Point, grown’s menu offers organic fast-food focusing on nutrient-dense, farm-to-fork cuisine. Allen oversees grown’s extensive farm network to source organic local and sustainable ingredients without GMOs, preservatives, hormones, or processed sugar.

License Holders

graphic of a hand and checklist
(everything bagel/Adobe Stock)

These women in cannabis secured licenses to grow, sell, or distribute the plant in legal markets. Support these 19 licensed operators and watch out for the next big moves.

Blossom Flower (MA)

Blossom Flower MA founder
(courtesy of Blossom Flower)

Blossom Flower is a cannabis delivery company founded by Damaris Aponte, a Puerto Rican social equity operator who is bringing cannabis to her hometown of Holyoke, MA. After achieving licensing for cultivation, manufacturing, and delivery, Damaris is on her way to get Blossom Flower delivery operational in 2023.

Coast Cannabis Co. / T. Bear Inc. (MA)

T. Bear Inc. more widely known as Coast Cannabis Co. is the first independent product manufacturer in the state of Massachusetts and one of the first women-led manufacturers ever licensed for adult-use on the East Coast. Co-founded by Angela Brown in 2017, Coast Cannabis Co. are crafters of the finest chocolates, gummies, and vapes in the Bay State.

Mary & Main (MD)

Mary & Main is a family-owned & women-owned dispensary by mother-daughter duo Dr. Octavia Wiseman and Hope Wiseman. Based in Prince George’s County, Mary & Main is one of the only Black women-owned dispensaries operating in the state since 2018 and one of the first ever Black women-owned dispensaries to open up on the East Coast.

Holistic Solutions (NJ)

Suzan Nickleson is the founder of Holistic Solutions, cannabis history’s first Black woman owned dispensary in New Jersey. Located 45 minutes from Atlantic City, Holistic Solutions is an adult-use cannabis retail store that is officially open to all adults over the age of 21.

Queen Mary (CA)

Queen Mary is one of California’s most authentic cannabis brands focused on combining daily supplements and vitamins within a fast-acting, rosin infused edible experience. Tiana Woodruff is California native, founder of Queen Mary, and Tier 1 social equity applicant whose working towards launching her own cannabis retail store.

Earth & Ivy (NJ)

Earth & Ivy is a new adult-use cannabis dispensary licensed in Rutgers University’s hometown of New Brunswick, New Jersey. Sasha Stephens, Co-founder of Earth & Ivy, very well might be the youngest Black dispensary owner in the country. As an UPenn graduate, Sasha discovered her passion for the plant going from home grow to cultivation facility before joining her partners to successfully apply for a retail license.

Josephine & Billie’s (CA)

Whitney Beatty is the rockstar mom & entrepreneur who founded Josephine & Billie’s, Los Angeles’ first dispensary dedicated to women of color. As a lifelong cannabis advocate and board member of SuperNova Women, Whitney Beatty started her cannabis career  launching The Apothecarry, a high-end humidor for your cannabis goodies. Josephine & Billie’s is an immersive experience designed as a 1920’s speakeasy giving ode to the Harlem Renaissance.

Khemia (CA)

Rose petal joints, THC infused hot cocoa mix, and the finest flowers are the signature products of Khemia, a California women-owned social equity cannabis manufacturer. Established in 2017, Khemia is led by a trio of cannabis lovers in Manndie Tingler, Mindy Galloway, and Kimberly Cargile with an impressive supporting cast of female advisors.

Tricolla Farms & Bardo Labs (NY & PA)

Tricolla Farms is New York’s very own sun-grown cannabis & hemp farm in partnership with their sister company, Bardo Labs – a boutique extraction lab. Tricolla Farms is family-owned and powered by a strong team of women entrepreneurs led by co-founder Britanny Carbone, Tia Tagliaferro, and Hayli Weintraub.

Etain (NJ & NY)

Etain is a family-owned, vertically–integrated cannabis operator based in New Jersey and New York since 2015. Founded by a C-suite of women leaders, the Peckham sisters (Amy, Keeley, and Hilary) began their journey creating plant medicine after seeking cannabis’ medicinal properties for their grandmother’s ALS. 

True Labs (NJ)

A majority of cannabis licenses are for growing or selling, but who’s actually testing the product we consume to create a safe, transparent experience? Meet Sarah Ahrens, owner of True Labs, the first certified woman-owned cannabis testing laboratory on the East Coast.

Simply Pure (CO)

Wanda James & Simply Pure in Denver, Colorado is forever in the cannabis history books as the first Black (legal) dispensary owner. Shoutout to all the legacy trappers that paved the way. Since 2010, Simply Pure has been a staple in the Denver community and an icon of excellence for women and minority business owners across the nation. Stay tuned for the continued legacy of Simply Pure with new partnerships expansions to New Jersey.

Sixty Four & Hope (CA)

Sixty Four & Hope is a Black woman-owned social equity dispensary located in the heart of Los Angeles. Aja Allen is rooted in her work as a community advocate, and has been running her own social impact organization called ProjectC3 that supports homeless persons. Stop in and you’ll see Sixty Four & Hope has a curated collection of the best BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ brands California has to offer.

Soulstar & Nightjar (CT & NJ)

Amanda Rositano is the CEO of Soulstar, a female-led cannabis company led by an all-star lineup including Kim Napoli, Fran DeRogatis, and Katie Covett. Soulstar is the parent company and name of their Connecticut social equity cultivation license while Nightjar is the name of Soulstar’s upcoming New Jersey dispensary.

WYLLOW (CA)

WYLLOW is a new Los Angeles-based bi-cultural, woman-owned dispensary founded by Camille Roistacher. Debuted in 2022, WYLLOW began as a cannabis brand and has extended into a full-fledged retail store. WYLLOW’s storefront  is highlighted as one of the most unique, immersive dispensary experiences through vibrant LED lighting, ASMR ambiance of your favorite cannabis sounds, and even a terpene smelling station. 

Posh Green (CA)

Posh Green is San Francisco’s first social equity, independently owned dispensary by a woman of color. Inspired by owner & SF native Reese Benton’s in-depth fashion experience, Posh Green has dubbed itself as a “cannabis boutique” for top-shelf premium products. 

Ganja Girls (MI)

Have you ever heard of a “Licensed Marijuana Event Organizer”? Yes, in many states you need a cannabis event license in order to (legally) allow consumption. Meet Morgan Underwood, Founder of Ganja Girl, the first woman of color to hold a state-issued cannabis license in Lansing, MI. Morgan started her career as cultivator supporting local medical patients, and now is providing safe and accessible consumption experiences to the Great Lake State.

Seventh Wave (CA)

Seventh Wave is the first licensed, dual-social equity cannabis company based in Humboldt County, CA. Co-founded by Eliza Espinoza and her husband Timo Espinoza, Seventh Wave is family-owned and licensed for bulk wholesale, manufacturing, distribution, and delivery retail. This family has a long storied heritage in cannabis as Timo’s father was set up by the FBI for cannabis in the 1970’s. Today, Seventh Wave is creating their own transformative legacy. 

Four Twenty distribution and Mother Exotic Flower (CA)

Sakara Barnes runs two California businesses that combine to form a powerful operation. The New York native specializes in premium flower that is white-labeled and delivered with partners like Australian brand Stoned Apes, and delivery service See Canna. Looking forward, Barnes plans to work with Cookies, Seed Junky genetics, and Backpack Boyz soon.

Accessory, Community, & Service-based Companies

On Nov. 8, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed Aug. 30 Leafly findings of a new, toxic cutting agent in the illicit THC vape cart supply chain—vitamin E acetate. Above, a woman using a vaping device in Mayfield Heights, Ohio (Tony Dejak/AP)
(Tony Dejak/AP)

Businesses that don’t touch the plant directly are still essential to the industry’s growth. These 23 women-led businesses give life to the ancillary fields of the plant.

Black Girls Smoke

Black Girls Smoke (BGS) is a community dedicated to women of color in cannabis. Led by the initial vision of Vic Styles, the BGS team is driven by teammates Ashley Cadogan (Social and Community Manager), Kyla Mayo (Director of Innovation), Crystal Castillo (Partnerships Manager), and Jayson Paulino (Creative Director). BGS hosts in-person initiatives like their annual Puff in the Park in New York City and online spaces that invite women of color to find a community that centers their impact on cannabis culture.

Our Academy

The brainchild of Hilary Yu, Our Academy is a 501(c)(3) that empowers social equity applicants and independent BIPOC cannabis entrepreneurs across the country with the resources they need to thrive. Our Academy’s mentorship program opens once a year for applicants to join the next cohort. This program is one of the most effective in the industry with weekly workshops & mentees learning directly from the cannabis industry’s top professionals.

PussyWeed

After hosting their own 420-friendly parties in college, PussyWeed co-founders, Natasha Pzedborski and Ava Kingsley quickly realized they could serve the underserved womxn in their community with intention. PussyWeed’s mission is to normalize cannabis through art, content, and locally-made products. When NYC’s finest stoners come together to create a trusted community for womxn in weed, you get PussyWeed. The rest is history.

Rudick Law Group

Lauren Rudick is the founder and managing principal of Rudick Law Group, a new boutique, women-led law firm. Rudick began practicing cannabis law when New York legalized medical cannabis in 2014. She was a patient advocate before getting into cannabis law, where she specializes in helping investors and businesses navigate complex transactions and regulatory matters. Rudick Law Group also includes associates Fatima Afia and Jessica F. Gonzalez, and currently represents some of New York and New Jersey’s top cannabis operators.

Buy Weed From Women (BWFW)

A simple motto with a major message: Buy Weed From Women. Today in cannabis only 20% of women are cannabis owned businesses. Jasmine Mans, a ​​Black American poet, artist from Newark, New Jersey, has made it one of her contributions to cannabis culture to change this narrative. Collaborating with Miss Grass and Etain, fellow women-owned cannabis companies, Buy Weed From Women has taken their renowned tote bags and merchandise as a vehicle to give back to local organizations like the New York City Food Bank. 

Green Goddess Glow

When you are ready to tap into the sacred wisdom and ritualistic practices of cannabis, DeJanae Evins , cannabis educator and Founder of Green Goddess Glow, is just a guided meditation away. Green Goddess Glow  is a cannabis wellness brand that invigorates their community with their resources including a catalog of ancient plant medicines, sound baths, and lifestyle guides. 

MOTA Glass

MOTA Glass launched in November 2020 We’re a Los Angeles-based glass company that not only produces high-quality, locally-made functional borosilicate glass, but also provides stable jobs with livable wages and career pathways. Susie Plascencia is a Mexican American entrepreneur. As minorities ourselves, we proudly celebrate and uplift the work of BIPOC and other minority artists through special projects and collaborations.

Grass Is Greener NY

Sarah ElSayed is the epitome of a hustler with a swiss army knife’s worth of skills in public relations, social media, and copywriting. Grass Is Greener NY is her birth child of a full-service creative marketing agency based in NYC. The Brooklyn native is working with brands like Sunsoil, Tempo Crackers, and Squier’s Specialty Edibles” alongside her creative partner, MA’s own, Megan Cunningham.

JTT Accessories

Mary Latreece is an Atlanta native and innovator behind JTT (Just The Tip) Accessories. Just The Tip is a play-on-words for the beautified joint holders JTT has deemed as “chill stones”. These are luxury hand blown glass pieces that help accentuate the joint smoking experience by providing a smoother finish and to avoid passing the joint, not germs.

Stoney Mama

Known as the Bronx’s #1 Weed-Smoking Grandma, Stoney Mama (@stoneymama75 on Instagram) brings joy to social media and cannabis spaces by simply being herself. She known to dangle seven-gram bags of flower from her earrings and curses like a sailor (check out her antics in this hilarious video). She even claims to be able to out-smoke Snoop Dogg. With well over 100,000 followers on Instagram, Stoney Mama is one of the most influential women in weed.

Best Friend’s House

Whether it’s hand-selected vintage from flea markets or new quirky smoking goods, Best Friend’s House is all you need. Launched in 2023, Best Friend’s House is founded by best friends Dani Gildemontes-Davila and Abby Dergazarian. Welcome home to that bestie you can always count on for their smoking goodies. Don’t sleep on Dani’s TikTok, it’s quite hilarious. 

National Cannabis Festival (NFC)

Did you know one of the USA’s largest 420 celebrations is women-led? Happening every April since 2015, the National Cannabis Festival has been a cornerstone for the East Coast cannabis community featuring performances from icons like Wiz Khalifa, Method Man, and 2Chainz.  Major shoutout to the founder, Caroline Phillips and the team of star-studded organizers such as Queen Adesuyi, Morgan Fox, Laila Makled, and Michelle Rutter.

Session Goods

Esther LeNoir Ramirez is the co-founder and CEO of Session Goods, a lifestyle brand founded in San Francisco and based in Los Angeles. Crafted with high-level function and design in mind, Session Goods is known for their signature Session Bong and modern smoking accessories with a discreet aesthetic for everyday use.

Sephida Artis-Mills

Sephida Artis-Mills is the leader of the United Empowerment Party (Formerly Known As National Cannabis Party), which was established in January of 2021 to ensure “equity empowerment” in the industry.”The party was started because of seeing the way that cannabis was mishandled, and the lack of real representation when it comes to understanding the plant.” Mills told Leafly’s Antonio Miller.

“I feel people must be mindful and aware of their ‘why,’ because that is what’s going to drive you. That’s what’s going to impact the other people that you encounter in this space. It’s not just simply about profit. And when you understand your ‘why’ and how you want to come into this space to serve others or to make a difference.”

Sephida Artis-Mills, co-founder of the United Empowerment Party

Elevate Jane

Modern smokeware with an artistic, vintage twist is Angela Mou’s calling card. As Founder of Elevate Jane, a contemporary smoke shop led by a team of women, Angela has created a truly differentiated home in the cannabis accessories game. Elevate Jane is your home to find vintage glass pieces, hand-blown ceramics, and hand-crafted goods made in curated drops.

Another Room

If you like the idea of a floating ashtray in the tub or a hamburger grinder, Another Room is the creative smokeshop of your dreams. Co-founded by Chloe Popove, Another Room is a Canadian team full of playful designs including their signature Jointlockers and 3D printed plant-based plastics. Don’t believe us? Check out The Prototype Shop.

Cannaclusive

Cannaclusive has fought for equitable representation of BIPOC communities since it was founded in 2017 by Mary Pryor, Tonya Rapley, and Charlese Antoinette with support from industry leaders Kassia Graham and Arlene Pitterson. Through content, experiences, and advocacy, Cannaclusive has created an ecosystem for inclusion with resources like InclusiveBase and The Accountability List. 

Humble Bloom

Humble Bloom is an education & advocacy centric platform that hosts immersive experiences in order to bring diverse communities holistic support. Co-founders Solonje Burnett and Danniel Swatosh have stayed true to their roots and continuously advocate in their home-base of New York City and across the country.

Blaze Responsibly & Blaze Law Firm

If you know someone looking to get their cannabis record expunged, make sure they tune into Chirali Patel’s Blaze Responsibly & Blaze Law Firm. Chirali Patel is a change-maker that has taken the lead on expungement clinics with the cannabis industry’s largest operators like AYR Wellness and Ascend Wellness Holdings. In addition, Chirali Patel is a lawyer by trade that has supported the application process for some of the first licensed operators in New Jersey’s newly forming adult-use market.

Sackville & Co.

Sackville & Co founders Hayley Dineen and Lana Van Brunt have found their home making cannabis lifestyle products that fuse luxury with the mainstream. Whether its their in-house designs or exclusive collaborations with figures like Flatbush Zombies, the Sackville & Co team has the background to innovate for years on their culturally-relevant accessories.

House of Puff

House of Puff is a New York certified-minority and women-owned business launched by proud Latine entrepreneur, Kristina Lopez Adduci. With accessories like their nebulous rolling trays and ceramic wick holders, you’ll feel super luxe for your wake and bake.

Zero Two Four (024™) 

024™ is a home fragrance brand founded by Gena Surphlin, New York native, whose mission is to relieve the burden of the cannabis’ aromatic stigma with their luxury candles.024™ candles are infused with essential oils and their patented NeuAir technology will keep your humble abode smelling just as humble.

Yew Yew Shop

Designer by trade, founder by choice, Jenny Winchman is the founder of Yew Yew Shop, a smokeware design company. As a Long Island native that made the transition to the cannabis industry, Jenny is the soul of Yew Yew Shop, sharing much of her wellness journey online in order to connect with her tightly-knit community since 2017. Yew Yew’s best sellers like their sunset bongs & cloud grinders combine cuteness, sleekness, and function all-in-one. 


Meg Schmidt, Mikhail Harrison, Antonio Miller, and Calvin Stovall contributed to this article.





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Cannavita dispensary brings fine-dining hospitality to cannabis

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What makes a great restaurant experience? The food, obviously. Service is also paramount. And the space itself can’t be overlooked.

Astoria, Queens, is full of top-notch eateries, from Greek to Vietnamese to Venezuelan. Earlier this year, they added cannabis to the menu with the opening of a handful of legal dispensaries. One of the best is Cannavita Dispensary, located at 30-30 Steinway Street. 

Cannavita general manager Allie Carney and owner Marko Popovic met years ago while working in New York City’s restaurant industry. They learned the ins and outs of how to provide guests with an unforgettable dining experience. Now, they have a fleet of native Queens budtenders working with them to apply the same hospitality principals to shopping for cannabis.

“Every brand has some story behind it. We want to provide Astoria the best possible products from the cannabis market.”

Marko Popovic, co-owner of Cannavita

Cannavita is located on a street full of restaurants and stores. For commuters and munchers on the go, they provide quick work during a busy day. Cannavita’s menu offers hundreds of choices for consumers across flower and prerolls, edibles, vaporizers, and concentrates, with brands like Electraleaf, Chef For Higher, KIVA, Aeterna, and Blotter on deck. Their team largely hails from Queens as well, giving a local texture to patrons seeking recommendations.

Cannavita hero 2 street sign
(Christian Brown / Leafly)

“Marko and I have known each other for so many years; we come from restaurants, so now to finally have something [where] we can take that customer service and put it into reality—none of this is lost on us.”

Allie Carney, manager at Cannavita

Popovic received his CAURD license along with a silent partner who had a previous cannabis charge. Both he and Carney emphasize that equity and social justice are a huge part of Cananvita’s model. Cannavita collaborates with justice-focused organizations like the Last Prisoner Project and hosts regular social events to elevate locals’ experiences with cannabis.

“Prioritizing people, justice-involved individuals, who’ve had their lives burned by the War on Drugs. We want to make sure that we contribute to those efforts.” 

Allie Carney, manager at Cannavita

Beyond Cannavita, Carney and Popovic encourage locals and visitors to indulge in the full Astoria experience when they visit. There’s an endless list of restaurants, riverside parks, and the museums (we love Museum of the Moving Image, an interactive museum that celebrates cinema, television and visual media) nearby.

As Cannavita’s one-year anniversary approaches in spring 2025, Carney says that the dispensary’s ethos is to be the best in the business, and to foster a sense of “peace and community and comfort,” for everyone who walks in the door.

Cannavita dispensary exterior outside
(Christian Brown / Leafly)

Cannavita’s team delivers on that mission with a rich events schedule including yoga seshes in the morning and art gallery parties at night. Follow Cannavita on Leafly for updates on deals, events, and new product drops. And next time you’re in Astoria, stop by the posh storefront, which looks and feels like a luxurious tropical getaway from the concrete jungle.


What are you smoking, New York? Keep up with New York’s favorite strains, dispensaries, and events on Leafly‘s New York homepage.



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New York dispensary owners are collaborating for a better future

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This coalition of legacy operators is united and ready to thrive in New York’s legal market.


It’s been almost four years since cannabis was legalized for all adults in New York—and two years since the state’s first adult-use store opened. But many of New York’s first licensed dispensary owners are still fighting for a fair shake on the legal market.

To balance the odds, Flower City Dispensary owners Britni and Jayson Tantalo unified the New York Retail Cannabis Association (NYCRA). The NYCRA comprises hundreds of dispensary owners determined to make the most of New York’s historic licensing program. In 2021, the state’s MRTA law put those most impacted by cannabis prohibition first in line for dispensary licenses. But the road to opening has been full of unforeseen challenges.

NYCRA leaders Jayson Tantalo(left), Britni Tantalo(center) and Coss Marte (right) are demanding new regulations and protections for New York dispensary operators.
NYCRA leaders Jayson Tantalo (left), Britni Tantalo (center) and Coss Marte (right) are demanding better regulations and protections for New York dispensary operators. (courtesy of NYCRA)

“The sad truth is that there are only a few operators that were lucky to find success and are profitable so far. A few are just breaking even, and a large share are still at the starting point from over two years ago. It has placed a major boulder on all of our backs and our families.”

Britni Tantalo, Flower City Dispensary owner, Co-Founder & President of New York Cannabis Retail Association

NYCRA co-founder and president Britni Tantalo told Leafly that “stringent marketing and packaging regulations, limited indoor cultivation and canopy capacity, and the early entry of large out of state companies to the market put a burden on local operators.” NYCRA leaders believe the current regulations are stopping locally-owned dispensaries from growing into sustainable businesses.

This year, NYCRA and Leafly partnered to help New York dispensaries navigate the many challenges facing the new legal market. Keep reading to see how we’re helping New York dispensaries bounce back, and reach out to NYCRA to learn more about joining their community of cannabis operators.


The challenges of opening New York’s first adult-use dispensaries

NYCRA leaders advocate for a fair shake from the state.
“When you care about people, you will show up for them, you will fight for them and you will do everything in your power to protect them. It’s just that simple!” Britni Tantalo (far right), owner of Flower City Dispensary and co-founder and president of the New York Retail Cannabis Association. (courtesy of NYCRA)

Of the 463 licenses granted in the first round so far, only 227 are open for business. Another 1,400 or so license applicants are waiting for the state’s approval to open—but it could take until 2026 for all of them to be reviewed.

Many applicants had to secure and pay for their store’s property before receiving their license. That means some have been paying rent on commercial spaces for months without any assurances on when they’d be approved to open, if at all.

The Tantalos waited two years for approval to open Flower City before getting the green light. To make matters worse, they watched unlicensed shops spread like wildfire while they paid rent for a legal shop they couldn’t operate.

“We had to borrow against our homes, borrow from family and friends and/or downsize operations [just] to open a location. It placed everyone in a position of financial constraint and therefore mental and emotional instability.”

Britni Tantalo, Flower City Dispensary

To weather the storm, members of the New York Cannabis Retail Association embrace a philosophy of collaboration over competition.

NYCRA Vice President Jayson Tantalo explains, “We share valuable resources such as business plans, SOPs, along with just emotional support, which have proven essential for licensed operators who may not know where to start.”

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Here’s why hundreds of NY dispensary openings have been delayed

House of Hibernica dispensary outside
After a year of paying for a storefront they couldn’t open, House of Hibernica opened in April and has grown fast in 2024. They’re no offering deliveries to all of the Bronx. (House of Hibernica)

In the Bronx, the House of Hibernica endured multiple delays before finally being cleared to open this April. “It was a whole year from when we applied for the license, to opening,” said Hibernica co-owner Bojan Trpcevski. “We had to have a store so we could apply. Then the injunction happened in 2022. So we were paying rent for a year,” Trpcevski said.

In November 2022, a judge blocked hundreds of stores from opening for six months as part of a controversial injunction. The lawsuit that caused the injunction was filed by an out of state resident who said the program’s social equity requirements violated the US constitution.

Just as the first applicants were being approved to open in 2022, multipleinjunctions placed the rollout in jeopardy. Dispensary owners were on the hook for real estate, operations costs, and private investments. Delays compounded as the state’s resources and attention went to the court case. When the first injunctions finally began to lift in May 2023, the plaintiff in one case received a license as part of a settlement agreement. By then, many owners were already 6 months behind their business projections.

Then, this October, a group of unlicensed dispensaries that were shut down for allegedly selling cannabis without a license also took the state to court, and won. They claimed they were put out of business without receiving due process as part of Mayor Eric Adams’ Operation Padlock, which has reportedly padlocked over 1,000 unlicensed shops since kicking off this spring. Last month, a judge ruled that the operation “stands against the cornerstone of American democracy and procedural due process.” The ruling could encourage unlicensed shops to re-open, adding uncertainty for operators as newly-approved stores open almost daily.

Operators like Budega’s Alex Norman have had no time to place their dreams on hold. “I started my brand three years ago in anticipation of an opportunity like this,” Norman told Leafly days after the injunction came down. “But I’m not gonna say it’s gonna stop me.” Over a year after the injunction and still not open, Norman remains dedicated to seeing things through with Budega after decades in the legacy market.

House of Hibernica’s team said they had no idea it would be this difficult when they started the process of applying. “We thought it would be similar to the restaurant business,” Trpcevski said, “because we opened a few before. We didn’t expect that we were going to wait so long, and that every small thing is going to stop the whole process.”

How much is a New York dispensary license worth?

Housing Works board member and owner of Brooklyn Legends Dispensary. (Calvin Stovall / Leafly)
Housing Works board member and owner of Brooklyn Legends Dispensary shows off one of New York’s first legal cannabis purchases: Pre-roll Minis by Lobo— which are still top sellers across the state nearly two years after debuting. (Calvin Stovall / Leafly)

The unforeseen delays have some license holders thinking about selling equity, or their entire license to the highest bidder. “The valuation is running from $600,000 to $800,000,” according to Daron Hudson, owner of Brooklyn Legends Dispensary, which is licensed and waiting to open. “If you have a location secured, it’s going up to $2,000,000,” Hudson told Leafly this fall.

Hudson is also a board member at Housing Works, New York’s first retail dispensary, which opened in December 2022. But opening his own store has proven much more difficult than getting the well-known nonprofit off the ground.

To help with start-up costs, the state originally promised owners a private equity fund to support store build outs. But the fund failed to launch.

“The access to capital and other resources that were promised to all of us CAURD applicants was simply not there. When you are promised a turnkey dispensary with low interest rates and access to grants from your state regulators, you don’t plan to obtain these things for yourself. When we realized that the promises were not going to be fulfilled anytime soon, if at all, we had no choice but to pivot. Most of us could not find investors because investor confidence was low due to the failed rollout.”

Britni Tantalo, Flower City Dispensary

Now, a new loan fund may provide some relief. But Hudson and other owners have already begun vetting investors who can help them get opened. And they’re finding that these new potential partners have far more leverage than the state’s regulations intended.

“I was part of the Housing Works license, I was the justice involved individual that helped get them the license. But now as an applicant myself, it hasn’t been an easy road. There’s no funding whatsoever. If you don’t have money in a shoe box somewhere, you’re left at the mercy of investors. And they’re bringing you these astronomical terms that are bleeding you out. There’s a sense of urgency to get the doors open. But I have to find somebody that I can trust to do business with for the next ten years.”

Daron Hudson, owner Brooklyn Legends Dispensary

How NYCRA and Leafly are helping New York dispensaries thrive

Leafly is proud to help bring New York dispensary owners new legal customers from across the state. Jayson Tantalo said dispensaries need help creating “brand recognition and demonstrating what legal cannabis looks like here in New York.” That’s why we’re leaning into content and activations that represent the very best of New York cannabis.

Our content partnerships with stores like Good Grades and Trends use the power of Leafly’s strain and product database to help keep shoppers informed about what they’re buying. In-person activations around the state are also helping first-time legal shoppers discover the top dispensaries and cultivators in their area. With the both the state, and federal laws, limiting the ways dispensaries and cannabis brands can advertise, every new customers counts.

“Partnering with Leafly brings tremendous value to our organization. Advertising and marketing are extremely difficult to navigate and complex to understand. By providing this platform to our members. With almost 20 years of experience in search engine optimization, I understand the challenges involved in effectively advertising. The terms being offered by Leafly to our members are particularly valuable because they make customers more accessible.”

Jayson Tantalo, Vice President of NYCRA and co-owner of Flower City Dispensary

Leafly and NYCRA also work closely with store operators to analyze data that improves their performance. We’re going the extra mile to make the cannabis industry accessible for all – including those negatively impacted by the failed war on drugs.

“I had Leafly before the legal industry even started,” said Hudson. “It was for the strains. Back in the legacy era, if somebody was selling me cannabis and said this is purple something, I’d go see what purple is on Leafly.”

Leafly stands with New York dispensaries

Since 2010, Leafly has provided cannabis patients, users, growers, advocates, and researchers with groundbreaking data that’s helped normalize the plant in 38 legal states and over 40 counties. With New York City consuming more cannabis than any other city in the world, the state’s new legal market presents an enormous opportunity for residents and visitors to safely and responsibly support local growers and sellers.

Now let’s get to work!

Click here to find your closest New York legal dispensaries on Leafly.





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Grand Openings: New weed shops of America for November 2024

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We got more good news, Leafly Nation. From the frigid islands of Alaska, to a new drive-thru in Tulsa, cannabs access expands yet again. Learn about all the latest dispensary openings across the U.S.!

Got a new shop? Get it on the map. Visit Leafly Success to advertise. 

Alaska

Bering Sea Buds—Unalaska, AK. Waaaay out on Alaska’s chain of islands is the new Bering Sea Buds. The remotely-located dispensary provides “a nice selection of gummies and cartridges, as well as flower — pre-roll and not” in addition to staples like lighters and pipes. Bering Sea Buds is the first local dispensary to open since the island of Unalaska overturned a city ban on commercial sales in 2016. 749 E Broadway Ave, Unalaska, AK 99685. No website.

California

(Courtesy SPARC Napa)

SPARC—Napa, CA. Opened in April. Bringing “a new, boutique-style cannabis experience to Napa,” SPARC’s fully vertical operation features sun-grown cannabis grown at a nearby farm “just over the hill” in Glen Ellen. Combining products made via sustainable practices with an “elevated shopping vibe,” SPARC’s new Napa location marks an exciting expansion for the reputed NorCal chain. 1726 Tanen St, Napa, CA 94559. https://sparc.co/store/napa/

Stiiizy—Costa Mesa, CA. Opened Oct. 5. Marking Stiiizy’s 36th retail shop to open in California, the bestselling brand’s latest flagship location in Costa Mesa brings a new twist to the store formally known as STIIIZY South Coast. 675 Paularino Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. 

Pipeline—San Francisco, CA. Opened in October, the ‘Pipeline’ brand of San Francisco stores expands from the Sunset and North Beach to the Portola neighborhood near the southern edge of The City. 2490 San Bruno Ave, San Francisco, CA 94134. 

Related

Leafly Buzz: 12 hot cannabis strains of October 2024

Colorado

Star Buds—Brighton, CO. Opened Oct. 31. The 22nd location for leading Colorado cannabis dispensary chain Star Buds marks the first for the city of Brighton, which approved recreational cannabis sales back in February. Promising “exceptional service” and “top-quality products,” the newest store from multi-state operator Star Buds will also “cater to underserved communities in nearby areas.” 570 N. 7th St, Brighton, CO, 80216.

Connecticut

Higher Collective—Bridgeport, CT. Opened Oct. 11. Dedicated to fostering social equity, cannabis retail brand Higher Collective launched its latest store in Bridgeport, CT earlier this month. In addition to providing a “Flower U” educational space, Higher Collective has also partnered with regional nonprofit Black Rock Food Pantry to serve as an ongoing donation hub as a means of supporting local community efforts year-round. 3369 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06605. 

Illinois

Bloc Avondale—Chicago, IL. Opened Oct. 18. Chicago’s Northwest Side gained a Latino- and woman-owned dispensary earlier this month when Bloc Avondale opened under the first social equity license issued in the area. Marking the 11th store for nationwide operator Justice Cannabis Co., the shop also features work by local artists in addition to a full menu of products. 3545 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60618. 

Maine

Cheech & Chong’s Dispensoria—Portland, ME. Opened Oct. 10. Two stoner legends bring their zany brand of quality cannabis to Maine with the opening of Cheech & Chong’s Dispensoria in Portland. With additional stores expected to open nearby in Bangor and Milo in the near future, customers can look forward to “an array of cannabis products, including gummies, chocolates and pre-rolls” plus plenty of cheeky aesthetic nods to the pair’s long career. 58 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101.

Minnesota

Island Peži—Welch, MN. Opened July 28. Marking the latest cannabis store to open on tribal land in Minnesota, Island Peži is conveniently located about 40 minutes away from St. Paul. Owned and operated by members of the Prairie Island Indian Community, the ethos of Island Peži celebrates “the power of diversity, both in our products and our people.” 6030 Sturgeon Lake Rd, Welch, MN 55089. https://www.islandpezi.com/

Missouri

CODES Cannabis—Jefferson, MO. Opened Oct. 23. Earlier this month, top Missouri cannabis flower brand CODES celebrated the launch of its 17th dispensary. Located in Jefferson City, the store boasts a “supreme flower collection” among a full selection of premium products. They include handpicked strains and the company’s innovative all-in-one vape, The CODE. 3205 Missouri Blvd, Jefferson City, MO 65109. https://codesdispensary.com/location/jefferson-city-mo/

New Jersey

Cannabis Training Academy—Trenton, New Jersey. Opened Oct. 16. Created in partnership with the New Jersey Business Action Center and the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission, the Cannabis Training Academy will provide “no-cost, online cannabis educational platform aids and [education to] current and aspiring cannabis business owners.” https://www.nj.gov/state/bac/cannabis-training/about/

Oklahoma

Headies—Tulsa, OK. Opened Oct. 20. Rev those motors because medical cannabis dispensary chain Headies has a new drive-through location in Tulsa! Featuring premium products that range “from traditional flower to modern methods,” Headies’ new drive-offers a remarkably quick and convenient way for Tulsa residents to shop for cannabis. 7315 S Memorial Dr, Tulsa, OK 74133.

Did we miss any? Leave a comment with a new one.

Got a new shop? Get it on the map. Visit Leafly Success to advertise. 



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