Women are making strides in cannabis, with their influence extending to the highest levels of leadership. According to a 2023 report on diversity, equity and inclusion from MJBizDaily, which covers the legal cannabis industry, women account for about 39% of marijuana executives.
Yet, gains in the C-suite are undercut by a lack of representation elsewhere. Although women comprise about half the marketplace in areas such as marketing and finance, participation diminishes in “plant-touching” roles including cultivation, harvesting and processing. Per the 2023 DEI report, women encompass 27% of cultivation staff and only 10% of executive positions in this area. Female ownership of cannabis companies, meanwhile, slid to 16% in 2023 from 21% two years earlier.
Despite these less-than-favorable national trends, female entrepreneurs in Ohio are actively shaping the fast-growing state marijuana landscape. One of them is Hope Seavers, who formulates gummies and other cannabis products under the banner of her company, A Dose of Hope. Seavers is putting final touches on a website that will launch in mid-March alongside a gummy product available in four flavors…