The Women in CannaBusiness Podcast

Women in CannaBusiness
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The Women in CannaBusiness podcast is a platform dedicated to highlighting the stories of women who are breaking barriers and making significant contributions in the cannabis industry. Hosted by Olivia, a seasoned marketing professional and advocate for women in cannabis, the podcast delves into the journeys of female entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and innovators who are shaping the future of cannabis. Each episode offers listeners a deep dive into the personal and professional experiences of our guests, covering topics such as entrepreneurship, overcoming industry stigma, and the unique challenges faced by women in a male-dominated space. Our mission is to inspire and empower women by showcasing that the cannabis industry is a viable and welcoming space, where skills from other industries are transferable, and the path to success is attainable. The Women in Cannabusiness podcast is more than just conversations—it’s a community that supports and uplifts women striving to make their mark in cannabis. With a growing audience eager to learn and engage, our platform provides a unique opportunity for sponsors to connect with a targeted and passionate demographic. New episodes are released every Tuesday, featuring insightful discussions and stories from some of the most influential women in the industry. Whether you’re already a part of the cannabis community or just curious about the evolving landscape, Women in Cannabusiness offers valuable insights and inspiration for everyone.

  1. 5d ago

    #49 - S6:E5 - Maha Haq - From Oaksterdam to VICE: Building a Career Through Cannabis Education

    How do you build a career that spans nearly every corner of the cannabis industry? In this episode of Women in CannaBusiness, Olivia Castaldy sits down with Maha Haq, cannabis journalist, educator, researcher, and industry advocate, to explore the career that has taken her from budtender to one of the industry's most respected educational voices. With experience across retail, testing labs, consulting, higher education, research, media, and social equity, Maha shares why understanding the entire cannabis supply chain has been one of the greatest advantages in her career. She reflects on founding CannaClub at UCLA, teaching the next generation of cannabis professionals at Oaksterdam University, mentoring entrepreneurs through Los Angeles' Social Equity Program, and writing about cannabis culture, products, and consumer trends as a contributor for VICE. The conversation also takes a personal turn as Maha opens up about her experience using medicinal cannabis during postpartum, how it supported her mental health, and why honest conversations around women's health and cannabis are so important. Whether you're looking to break into the industry, grow your career, or simply better understand where cannabis is headed, this episode is filled with practical advice, thoughtful perspectives, and inspiration from someone who has helped shape the industry through education and community. In this episode, you'll learn: How Maha built a career across nearly every sector of cannabis Why education and mentorship are essential for industry growth The value of understanding the full cannabis supply chain Cannabis, postpartum recovery, and mental health Social equity, community building, and creating opportunities for others Actionable advice for anyone pursuing a career in cannabis About Maha Haq Maha Haq has spent more than a decade working throughout the commercial cannabis industry, consulting for retailers, consumption lounges, brands, and events. She is currently a Cannabis Staff Writer at VICE, covering cannabis products, consumer trends, shopping news, and culture. She serves on the Los Angeles chapter boards of NORML and the Cannabis Chamber of Commerce, teaches at Oaksterdam University, and coaches entrepreneurs through the Los Angeles Department of Cannabis Regulation's Social Equity Program. After beginning her cannabis career in Los Angeles in 2012, Maha gained experience across nearly every stage of the supply chain, including cannabis testing laboratories. She later founded CannaClub at UCLA, growing it into a national student organization spanning more than 60 universities and over 9,000 members. She also conducted research through the UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative and earned her M.S. in Medical Cannabis Science & Therapeutics from the University of Maryland. Connect with Maha Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highmaha/  Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/highmaha/

    21 min

  2. Jun 23

    #48 - S6:E4 - Shelbie Vasquez: From Brand Ambassador to Multi-Brand Sales & Marketing Leader

    In this episode of the Women in Cannabusiness Podcast, Olivia sits down with Shelbie Vasquez, Sales and Marketing professional at Beyond Legends Distribution, to discuss building a career fueled by passion, authentic relationships, and community. Shelbie shares her journey from starting as a Brand Ambassador with Yummi Karma in 2018 to representing a growing portfolio of cannabis brands through Beyond Legends Distribution, including Pretty Dope, Side Hustle, Crave, Daily Dose, Yummi Karma, and High Gorgeous. Along the way, she reflects on how sales, marketing, networking, and storytelling have shaped her career and opened doors throughout the industry. In addition to her work in distribution and brand development, Shelbie is also a podcast host with Respect My Region, where she spotlights the people, brands, and stories driving cannabis culture forward. Together, Olivia and Shelbie discuss balancing full-time work with podcasting, the importance of building genuine connections, and what it means to create opportunities for women in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Shelbie also shares the advice she would give her younger self and why staying passionate about the plant and the community has led to a career she truly loves. Whether you're just entering the cannabis industry, building your personal brand, or looking to grow your career, this episode is a reminder that curiosity, consistency, and authentic relationships can take you further than you ever imagined. In this episode, you'll hear about: Shelbie's career journey from Brand Ambassador to Sales & Marketing Working with brands including Pretty Dope, High Gorgeous, Yummi Karma, and more Building a career across multiple cannabis brands through Beyond Legends Distribution Balancing a full-time career while hosting an industry podcast The value of networking and authentic relationship-building Supporting women and creating community within cannabis Advice for young professionals entering the industry Why staying passionate about your work can open unexpected doors If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who is building their own career in cannabis. About Beyond Legends Distribution Beyond Legends Distribution connects innovative cannabis brands with retailers across California through wholesale distribution, sales, and strategic marketing support. Their family of brands includes Pretty Dope, Side Hustle, Crave, Daily Dose, Yummi Karma, and High Gorgeous, helping consumers discover premium products while giving emerging brands the support they need to grow. Follow Shelbie: @shlebie.xoxo Follow We R Legends: @beprettydope   This episode is sponsored by CannaWorld Launching a cannabis brand is hard. Driving sell-through and securing re-orders is even harder. CannaWorld is a premier wholesale brokerage and cannabis marketing agency dedicated to helping brands successfully launch and scale in legal markets. Beyond traditional brokerage, CannaWorld provides experienced brand ambassadors, sales representatives, budtender education, retail activations, and consumer marketing that help products move off the shelf—not just onto it. By integrating directly with retailers, dispensary staff, budtenders, and consumers, CannaWorld creates the awareness and urgency brands need to drive long-term retail success. The team proudly prioritizes women-owned, LGBTQ+, local, and minority-owned brands across every legal market. Learn more at ShopCannaWorld.com or call 508-813-7963.

    16 min

  3. Jun 16

    #47 - S6:E3 - Sue Carlton AKA Ranchera Mami: From Oregon Pioneer Days to Building a Legacy Farm in California

    What does it take to build a lasting career in cultivation while staying true to the plant, the science, and the culture? In this episode of Women in CannaBusiness, Olivia sits down with Sue Carlton (@rancheramami), cultivator, educator, and advocate whose journey spans Oregon's early medical market, large-scale cultivation, genetics preservation, and building a family-run farm in Central Valley California. Known for making complex cultivation topics accessible, Sue shares how she got her start with a small grow license, what she's learned from decades of hands-on experience, and why education remains one of the most powerful tools in the industry today. Together, Olivia and Sue discuss the realities of working in cultivation, navigating spaces where women remain underrepresented, the importance of mentorship, preserving legacy genetics, and how the next generation of growers can build sustainable careers in agriculture. Whether you're a cultivator, entrepreneur, industry professional, or simply fascinated by the people behind the plant, Sue's story is a powerful reminder that success is built through persistence, curiosity, and a willingness to keep growing. In this episode, you'll learn: • How Sue got her start in Oregon's early cultivation market • Lessons from scaling from a small grow license to larger cultivation operations • Why preserving genetics matters for the future of the industry • The realities of being a woman in cultivation • How mentorship and community can accelerate growth • Why education continues to shape the next generation of operators 🎙 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Sue: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/Rancheramami/⁠

    7 min

  4. Jun 9

    #46 - S6:E2 - Angie Macaraeg: From Door-to-Door Sales to VP of Sales & Marketing at a Leading Cannabis Testing Lab

    Live from Hall of Flowers Ventura with Angie Macaraeg, VP of Sales & Marketing at Encore Labs Recorded onsite at the Hall of Flowers Pre-Show Mixer hosted by Beard Bros Pharms in Ventura, California, this episode features a conversation with Angie Macaraeg, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Encore Labs. Since entering the cannabis industry in 2018, Angie has worked her way from customer service to executive leadership, helping shape the growth of one of California's leading ISO-accredited cannabis testing laboratories. Today, she oversees sales strategy, client relationships, marketing initiatives, business development, and multi-state expansion efforts across California and Arizona. In this episode, Angie shares her journey through the cannabis industry, the evolving role of laboratory testing, and why quality assurance, compliance, and transparency are more important than ever for brands looking to succeed in today's market. We also discuss the challenges operators face navigating regulations, the importance of building trusted partnerships, and how education continues to drive industry progress. Whether you're a brand owner, operator, service provider, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes systems that help keep the cannabis industry safe and compliant, this conversation offers valuable insights from a leader helping shape the future of cannabis testing. Connect with Angie & Encore Labs: 🌿 Instagram: @staygreenangeline 🌿 Instagram: @encorelabs 🌿 Website: Encore Labs About Women in CannaBusiness Women in CannaBusiness highlights the stories, experiences, and expertise of women shaping the future of cannabis through leadership, innovation, advocacy, and entrepreneurship. #WomenInCannaBusiness #HallOfFlowers #EncoreLabs #CannabisTesting #WomenInCannabis #CannabisIndustry #QualityAssurance #CannabisCompliance #LabTesting #BeardBrosPharms #HallOfFlowersVentura #CannabisLeadership

    16 min

  5. Jun 2

    #45 - S6:E1 - Annie Fleshman: From SaaS Startup to Founding Marketer at Cannabis Tech Leader Flowhub

    In the premiere episode of Season 6 of The Women in CannaBusiness Podcast, host Olivia Castaldy sits down with Annie Fleshman, Vice President of Marketing and founding marketer at Flowhub, live from Hall of Flowers Ventura. Since joining Flowhub in 2018, Annie has helped transform the company into one of the most trusted cannabis retail technology platforms in the United States. In this conversation, she shares her perspective on the evolution of cannabis retail, the challenges dispensaries face in today's market, and how technology can help operators create more efficient, profitable businesses. Annie also discusses her journey from SaaS marketing into cannabis, lessons learned from scaling high-growth companies, and why education and retailer empowerment remain at the heart of Flowhub's mission. Whether you're a dispensary operator, cannabis entrepreneur, marketer, or industry professional, this episode offers valuable insights into the technology shaping the future of cannabis retail. Topics Covered: • The current state of cannabis retail • Technology's role in dispensary success • Scaling a high-growth cannabis technology company • Building sustainable marketing systems • Retail education and industry empowerment • What's next for cannabis operators and brands Connect with Annie Fleshman: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afleshman/    Learn More About Flowhub: Website: https://flowhub.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowhub Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowhub   Follow The Women in CannaBusiness Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenincannabusiness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-in-cannabusiness   #CannabisRetail #CannabisTechnology #DispensaryOperations #CannabisIndustry #Flowhub #WomenInCannabis #CannabisMarketing #HallOfFlowers #CannabisBusiness #WomenInCannaBusiness

    21 min

  6. Apr 14

    #44 - S5: E8 - Mila Jansen: The Hash Queen Who Helped Shape Modern Hash Culture

    To close out our Season 5: Heavy Hitters, we’re joined by one of the most legendary pioneers in the history of the plant, Mila Jansen, also known as The Hash Queen. From the early days of cannabis culture in Amsterdam… to traveling the world with her children and spending over a decade living in India… to inventing one of the most influential tools in hash making, the Pollinator… Mila’s story is one of resilience, curiosity, and building a life far outside the boundaries placed on women at the time. In this conversation, she shares what it looked like to navigate male-dominated and often illegal markets across continents, how her innovations helped shape modern hash culture, and the perspective she’s gained after decades in the space. This episode is more than a conversation, it’s living history, and the perfect way to close out a season dedicated to the women who have made a lasting impact on this industry. In this episode, we cover: • The early days of cannabis culture in Amsterdam • Mila’s travels through India, Afghanistan, and the Himalayas • The invention of the Pollinator and hash innovations • Building businesses across cultures and continents • Traditional vs. modern hash practices • Advice for women entering the industry Notable Quotes: “It was love at first token.” “My best hash is the one I am smoking now.” “Keep on dancing through life.” Follow Mila Jansen & Learn More: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milahashqueen/ Website: https://www.pollinator.nl/ Order Mila's Book, "How I Became the Hash Queen": https://www.amazon.com/How-became-Hash-Queen-English/dp/2845942451 Season 5 Sponsor — OCM Digital Marketing This season is proudly sponsored by OCM Digital Marketing, a full-service marketing agency helping brands build, scale, and convert through full-funnel strategy. From paid media and email marketing to website development and SEO, OCM Digital partners with businesses to drive real, measurable growth. Learn more: https://www.ocmdigitalmarketing.com/   Women in CannaBusiness Hosted by Olivia Castaldy Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenincannabusiness/ Listen to more episodes + stay connected: https://www.womenincannabusiness.com/

    42 min

  7. Apr 7

    #43 - S5: E7 – Rachelle Gordon: From Arrest to Advocacy & Crafting the Stories That Drive Cannabis Forward

    In this episode of Women in CannaBusiness, we sit down with Rachelle Gordon, Managing Editor of GreenState, to explore the deeply personal experiences that shaped her path into cannabis journalism and advocacy. A driving force behind Rachelle’s work is her passion for the medical potential of cannabis, especially for neurological conditions and seizure disorders. After watching her father struggle with his health without ever having access to cannabis as a potential option, in addition to being arrested for possession in Minnesota, she’s become committed to amplifying patient stories, lived experiences, and the real impact this plant can have. Rachelle shares how a 2011 arrest redirected her career from education into cannabis, ultimately leading her to become one of the most trusted voices in the space. Through storytelling and honest reporting, she’s helping shape a more informed, responsible, and human-centered cannabis industry. We also get into the conversations most people avoid, balancing advocacy with accountability, including the importance of educating consumers on both the benefits and risks, like Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome. This episode also explores what it really looks like to be a woman in cannabis today: navigating challenges, building confidence, and finding community in a still male-dominated industry. You’ll also hear: Practical advice for women entering cannabis: diversify your skillset and network intentionally The evolution of cannabis journalism and mainstream media How to balance multiple roles while protecting your mental health The importance of mentorship and preserving the stories of patients and those impacted by prohibition Where the industry is headed, from low-dose products to broader mainstream adoption Rachelle’s story is a reminder that advocacy isn’t just about policy—it’s about people, stories, and the voices that deserve to be heard. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Rachelle Gordon 02:18 – Background in education and 2011 arrest 04:17 – Career shift into cannabis advocacy 06:16 – Cannabis and neurological conditions 09:49 – Advice for women entering the industry 14:48 – From freelance writer to GreenState editor 17:33 – Being a woman in cannabis 20:52 – Challenges and harassment in the industry 24:14 – Building resilience 28:59 – A day in her life 36:53 – Boundaries and mental health 40:05 – Mentors and inspirations 43:22 – Final thoughts Connect with Rachelle Gordon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelle-gordon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachellethewriter GreenState: https://www.greenstate.com   Sponsor This episode is sponsored by OCM Digital Marketing. OCM Digital is a full-service marketing agency that builds the foundation for your brand, from websites and SEO to full-funnel strategies across Meta, Google, and LinkedIn Ads. We don’t just drive traffic, we help convert it into real, measurable growth. If you’re ready to stop leaving leads and revenue on the table, learn more at: https://www.ocmdigitalmarketing.com

    44 min

  8. Mar 31

    #42 - S5:E6 – Tamara Anderson: From Nurse & Pastry Chef to Cannabis Event Innovator

    In this episode of The Women in CannaBusiness Podcast, we sit down with Tamara Anderson, founder of Culinary & Cannabis, an interactive cannabis event production company redefining how people experience plant medicine through food, wellness, and education. With a unique background as both a registered nurse and pastry chef, Tamara shares how her personal journey, including her son’s experience—reshaped her perspective on cannabis and led her to build a brand rooted in healing, accessibility, and elevated experiences. From hosting luxury cannabis-infused culinary events to creating safe, inclusive spaces for education, Tamara is on a mission to break stigma and help both canna-curious individuals and experienced consumers feel confident exploring the plant. We dive into the realities of navigating the cannabis industry as a woman of color, the importance of authentic storytelling in building a brand, and how she’s scaling Culinary & Cannabis globally while staying grounded in purpose. This episode is a powerful reminder that your background, your story, and your “why” can become the foundation for something truly impactful. What We Cover: Tamara’s journey from nursing and pastry arts to cannabis entrepreneurship How personal experiences shaped her advocacy for plant medicine Creating luxury cannabis events that educate and empower Navigating stigma across generations and communities Challenges as a woman of color in the cannabis industry Building authentic relationships inside and outside the industry Leveraging your existing skills to enter the cannabis space The role of cannabis in wellness, balance, and daily life   Connect with Tamara Anderson: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryandcannabis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-anderson-2901a978 Website: https://www.culinaryandcannabisevents.com   Presented by OCM Digital Marketing OCM Digital Marketing is a full-service marketing partner helping brands grow through strategy, content, and paid media. From startups to scaling brands, we focus on building marketing systems that drive real results. Learn more: https://www.ocmdigitalmarketing.com

    39 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The Women in CannaBusiness podcast is a platform dedicated to highlighting the stories of women who are breaking barriers and making significant contributions in the cannabis industry. Hosted by Olivia, a seasoned marketing professional and advocate for women in cannabis, the podcast delves into the journeys of female entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and innovators who are shaping the future of cannabis. Each episode offers listeners a deep dive into the personal and professional experiences of our guests, covering topics such as entrepreneurship, overcoming industry stigma, and the unique challenges faced by women in a male-dominated space. Our mission is to inspire and empower women by showcasing that the cannabis industry is a viable and welcoming space, where skills from other industries are transferable, and the path to success is attainable. The Women in Cannabusiness podcast is more than just conversations—it’s a community that supports and uplifts women striving to make their mark in cannabis. With a growing audience eager to learn and engage, our platform provides a unique opportunity for sponsors to connect with a targeted and passionate demographic. New episodes are released every Tuesday, featuring insightful discussions and stories from some of the most influential women in the industry. Whether you’re already a part of the cannabis community or just curious about the evolving landscape, Women in Cannabusiness offers valuable insights and inspiration for everyone.

Information

  • Creator
    Women in CannaBusiness
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Women in CannaBusiness Podcast