IWD 2024: Meet the Women of Prairie & Luna
On International Women’s Day, becoming even more knowledgeable and capable under the dull pressure of consistent underestimation will continue to be the vibe 🤘 The absolute best upside of operating in a male-dominated industry is the connections that are formed, by necessity, between the women who find themselves in rooms full of men. The women of P&L have, in a labour of love and perseverance, built this place from the ground up with us. It has been a balm to work among women who inherently understand the neverendingness of womanhood; who encourage one another toward wellness, happiness, and rest. It has been the greatest honour of our professional lives to bring these women along with us and to open more doors for them than we ever imagined we’d have the keys for.
We asked the team a few prying questions about how gender plays into their experiences in this industry. Their thoughts below…
Q. If you could create a signature cannabis strain named after a famous woman in history and pop culture, who would it be and what characteristics would define the strain?
I would name my strain Creola, after Creola Katherine Johnson, a mathematician for NASA from 1953. A true genius with numbers, as well as facing racism and inequality as a Black woman working in a male dominated industry. My strain would be a true balanced hybrid as Katherine probably balanced many equations in her time. It would be just clear headed enough to really focus on what you need to do and keep you motivated, and ending with a relaxing full body buzz to help you chill after a long day.
Q. What advice would you give to other women interested in pursuing a career in the cannabis industry?
Alright, as bad as this sounds, this is the harsh reality of being a woman in a male dominated industry: You will absolutely be passed over, second guessed, and assumed that you know nothing about weed (major ick). Prove them wrong. That means being on your game at all times, and this is going to take time and effort. If you end up getting certificate happy to get all that knowledge, that’s totally fine too, take as many educational opportunities as your heart desires because it’s true that knowledge is power. If you are truly passionate about this plant and industry, you will find like-minded individuals that will support you and help you get where you want to go.
Q. If you could invite any three influential women, living or historical, to share a joint and conversation, who would they be and why?
Frida Kahlo, because she was a boss who gave no shits long before it was cool or acceptable for a woman to do so. Her artistic and rebellious soul is reflected in the wonderful women who work with me here at P+L.
Q. If you could introduce one innovation to enhance the overall experience for customers visiting our store, what would it be and how do you think it would impact their interaction with cannabis products?
I dream of a day where the terms Sativa and Indica are done! As helpful as they have been through the years, there are (in my opinion) better ways to categorize your high. Personally, I have been playing with the idea of aligning with the Chakra energy centers. Every high has a point in the body (or multiple!) where it is felt most. I love the idea of describing a focus-driven head-high experience as a Third-Eye-High, or a more couch-locking experience as a Root-High.
Mary Jane Rathbun, the mother of the weed brownie, for being an aggressively loving granny supporting those in need with the power of cannabis (and chocolate). Her unapologetic provision of care remains unrivalled.
Finally, one living woman, Dr. Riley Kirk (also known as @cannabichem). She approaches cannabis from both consumer and scientific mindsets, sharing her knowledge from a unique and invaluable perspective.
Q. In what ways could the cannabis industry promote diversity and inclusion, both in the workplace and in terms of products and services offered?
It's crucial to recognize that inclusivity isn't just about numbers; it's about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and represented. Consumers naturally gravitate towards what resonates with them, whether it's people, places, or products. Without diverse representation, the industry risks alienating potential participants and consumers. True inclusivity demands a commitment to showcasing a variety of voices and perspectives.
Q. If you could offer one piece of advice to women who are curious about exploring cannabis for the first time, what would it be, and why do you think it’s important for women to feel empowered and informed in their cannabis journey?
One piece of advice I would offer to women curious about exploring cannabis for the first time is to prioritize education and research. Understanding the different cultivars (strains), consumption methods, and potential effects can empower you to make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences. By educating yourself, you can navigate the cannabis landscape with confidence and safety. It's crucial for women to feel empowered and informed in their cannabis journey for several reasons. Firstly, knowledge empowers autonomy—it enables women to take control of their health and wellness decisions without relying solely on external sources. Additionally, being informed allows women to advocate for themselves within the cannabis community, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met. Lastly, feeling empowered in your cannabis journey fosters a sense of ownership and confidence, ultimately leading to a more positive and fulfilling experience
Q. How do you see the role of women evolving in the future of the cannabis industry, and what changes or advancements do you hope to witness for women in leadership positions and entrepreneurial ventures?
I see it changing by necessity, slowly, and with a lot of resistance from those who benefit from the current levels of gender diversity in the field. But women and other marginalized people are an unstoppable force, made stronger from being under greater pressure.
When you constantly have to prove your intelligence and abilities, at least you become even more knowledgeable and capable. I see women finding one another and building the workplaces and initiatives they could not find. I see us divesting and making our own, rather than suffering the microaggressions of working within a patriarchal structure. And I love that for us.
Q. As a budtender, what do you believe are some of the most exciting developments or trends within the cannabis industry that particularly resonate with women consumers, and how do you incorporate these into your recommendations and interactions with customers?
I believe that women, as a collective, are increasingly speaking out about their hidden struggles and burdens that were previously considered normal and went unquestioned.
With the rise of social media, there's been a platform for sharing lived experiences on a large scale, leading to many discoveries over the years. I see the cannabis industry as a valuable tool in this movement. In our store, I've observed a trend where women are empowering themselves by openly discussing their bodies and seeking better quality of life. Products like menstrual relief roll-ons, infused lubes, transdermal patches, suppositories, and newer CBDA capsules are notable examples of this shift. Creating a welcoming environment where women feel at ease sharing their personal stories with us is a great privilege that we deeply value. It's not just about sharing and listening to these conversations, but also watching people discover products that serve their needs. Each success feels like a significant achievement, and we aim to keep evolving as more products continue to be introduced to the industry that are tailored to the specific needs of women consumers.
Q. If you could offer one piece of advice to women who are curious about exploring cannabis for the first time, what would it be, and why do you think it’s important for women to feel empowered and informed in their cannabis journey?
I mean I am VERY biased, BUT I would say come to Prairie and Luna so we can chat!! Cannabis can be scary given the context we all grew up in. It meant jail time, possibly losing your kids, and it’s only been legal for a few years.
The stigma is still thick in the air for lots of folks, and we can only keep doing the work of normalizing the consumption of this plant that benefits so many. Cannabis isn’t for everyone and it might not be something you enjoy, but I do think it’s worth asking questions about. My hope is that every woman can find a dispensary that they feel safe in to explore and navigate their cannabis journey.
As a woman working in the cannabis industry, what do you believe are some of the biggest misconceptions or stereotypes that you’ve encountered, and how do you challenge or overcome them in your role as a budtender?
As a woman in the cannabis industry, one of the most common misconceptions I face is the assumption that I don't consume, especially by smoking. I believe many of my colleagues at P&L have heard similar comments. I try to challenge this stereotype by openly sharing my personal consumption preferences and experiences with cannabis.
My goal is to break down the stereotypical ideas of who consumes cannabis and what they look like. I believe that anyone, regardless of appearance, gender or profession, can be a knowledgeable enthusiast and consumer.
Moreover, by confidently embracing our roles as budtenders and our identities as cannabis consumers, we promote acceptance and understanding within the industry and beyond.
Q. If you could create a signature cannabis strain named after a famous woman in history or pop culture, who would it be and what characteristics would define the strain?
I would name my strain Princess D, a Princess x Durban cross. Sativa dominant, with euphoric, social and creative/cerebral effects. A heavy cover of yellow pistols and trichomes, a frosty looking bud with a coverage of gold. Medium sized dense nugs, but grinds up fluffy :)
As a woman in the cannabis industry, what advice would you give to other women interested in pursuing a career in the industry?
Don't be afraid to be yourself; and don't be afraid to share your experiences. You can learn a lot from other people's experiences and hearing from other consumers can help you make informed decisions and, in turn, make recommendations to others. Learning from other people may also introduce you to new things that you choose to look into for your own interests; like infusions, terpenes or cannabinoids.
Q. As a woman working in the cannabis industry, what are some of the biggest misconceptions or stereotypes that you’ve encountered, and how do you challenge or overcome them in your role as a budtender?
As a woman working in the cannabis industry I do feel there are quite a few misconceptions and stereotypes that I face almost weekly. That's not to say that everyone I interact with has these misconceptions, because the community we have here is so respectful and kind.
However, sometimes I hear things that really make me shake my head a little. Some misconceptions are that I do not consume or that I couldn't possibly be a daily consumer, as if it is a taboo and something women don't do. Sometimes folks will try to teach me about a product as if insinuating that I have not tried the product; meanwhile I have made this product at home, like bubble hash or live rosin. I try not to take offence, but I am here for a reason and it's because I love cannabis, I love to learn, and I spend a lot of time staying up-to-date on products and industry changes so I can best guide my customers. I think we need more diversity in this industry and women absolutely deserve to take up space here, we are awesome!