Global event to celebrate women in cannabis

An upcoming event will celebrate the achievements of women in cannabis – and highlight where the sector falls short for them.

A panel of patients, activists, mothers, clinicians and scientists from across the globe will celebrate the significant role women have played in changing attitudes – and policies – around cannabis.

The event, being held on Monday 28 March, to mark the end of Women’s History Month, also aims to explore some of the current issues facing women in the sector and will see some frank discussions around where the cannabis industry could do better.

A recent study from the US found that despite 37 per cent of executive positions in the cannabis, CBD and hemp industry being held by women in 2017, that number has now dropped significantly to just 22 per cent.

Only 11 per cent of respondents agreed that the US cannabis industry is equitable, with problems such as sexism, harassment, bullying, lack of support, benefits, opportunity and respect, difficulty obtaining funding and resources, low pay, shame and stigma are all cited as barriers.

Almost three-quarters of women felt the need to work harder than their male counterparts to gain respect, 67 per cent said they feel they are taken less seriously because they are women and only 25 per cent are paid the same as their male colleagues. 

But despite some discouraging data, women have played a significant role in campaigning and advocating for policy changes that have made the cannabis industry possible. 

The event, moderated by British cannabis author and podcaster, Mary Biles, will see panelists share their own experiences of being women in the cannabis industry, as well as the challenges of navigating their countries’ political processes and the personal sacrifices made by parents and patient activists.

Panelists include Irish medical cannabis campaigner Vera Twomey and Jacqueline Poitras, founder of ‘MAMAKA- Mothers for Cannabis’, who played a leading role in cannabis policy changes in Greece. 

They will be joined by Carola Perez, director of the Spanish Observatory of Medicinal Cannabis (OECM), Polita Pepper, co-founder and director of the Civil Association CANNATIVA A.C in Mexico, Italy’s Dr Viola Brugnatelli, cannabis scientist and founder of Cannabiscientia, and representing the UK, ​​registered nurse and clinical trial manager for LVL Health, Sophie Hayes.

Carola Perez commented: “It’s amazing to be part of this event because we have all known each other for many years now. We have been fighting together, crying together, working together, supporting each other and being part of this panel is a dream come true.

“I think we are in a moment in the history of cannabis where some things are not really fair for women but we have the opportunity now to raise our voices, share our experiences and let people know that women in cannabis know how to work together to support each other and to have a different perspective of this amazing plant.”

As well as addressing the barriers to entry, gender inequalities and misogyny they have experienced, the panel will also discuss what unique qualities women bring to the industry and how we can encourage more to join.

Sophie Hayes added: “I am very excited to be able to speak as part of this incredible panel of women to highlight the importance of women’s voices in the field of medical cannabis.  

“It remains a field predominantly occupied by men and I hope through our conversation we will encourage more women into not only the medical cannabis field but into medicine and research.”

Women in Cannabis – A Global Perspective, takes place on Monday 28 March at 7pm, register for free here.

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