Cheers to the women shaping NJ’s cannabis scene this Women’s History Month! 🎉💨 With 77 women-owned businesses—10 cultivators, five manufacturers and 62 dispensaries—these trailblazers are leading the way, proving that the future of cannabis is bold, innovative, and built by women.
From product pioneers to advocacy powerhouses, these women aren’t just breaking barriers—they’re setting the standard for what’s possible. We asked some of the best in the biz to share their wisdom for the next generation of women in cannabis. Here’s what they had to say:
Kristina Lopez Adduci | House of Puff
“The cannabis industry, though challenging, offers incredible opportunities for women to lead and innovate. My advice would be to find your niche – whether it’s in product development, marketing, advocacy, or education – and build a network of supportive, like-minded individuals. Stay informed about the regulatory landscape, and don’t be afraid to take risks”
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Riley Brain | Wandering Bud
“In my experience, most women in this industry are extremely welcoming and helpful. We want to see each other succeed and enjoy cheering other women on. I am always happy to share my industry experience with payment processing, social media censorship, etc., to help others avoid headaches I’ve slogged my way through.”
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Kate Miller | Miss Grass
“Women have always been leaders, with or without the title, and this industry needs more of us. The plant we love and represent is female, after all. The cannabis industry is better, stronger, and more just when diverse voices lead the way. If you’re thinking about getting in, do it. We need you here.”
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Esther LeNoir Ramirez | Session Goods
“Be wary of companies that have lots of women working entry-level jobs with no women in leadership. Conversely, if a company has few to no women working, that is also a red flag.
Don’t be intimidated; the community of women in this industry is unmatched, and we try to take care of each other.”
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Lyndsey Shaw | Brighterside Farms
“Jumping into the cannabis industry as a woman is an exciting and empowering journey. If you’ve got that unwavering determination and are ready to put in the long hours and hard work, you’ve got what it takes to make a name for yourself in this rapidly growing field.
In the cannabis world, failure is part of the process. You’re going to face setbacks—probably more often than you’d like—but don’t let that stop you. Use those moments to learn and keep pushing forward. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but if you keep learning new skills, staying positive, and staying true to your goal, you’ll get there. Every small step you take matters, especially in building your business.
The first 10 years might feel like one big failure after another, but trust me, that time will turn into experience. What seemed impossible in the beginning will soon become second nature, and in 15 years (yikes!), you’ll be doing things in 20 minutes that once took you hours to figure out.
It takes serious grit to keep going, but if you’re passionate about what you do and always growing—whether personally or professionally—you’ll be on the right track. Be open to learning from others and embracing new experiences as you go.
As a woman entering a male-dominated industry like cannabis, you actually have an advantage. Don’t be afraid to use it. Let people underestimate you. Whether it’s in contract writing, negotiations, or just day-to-day business, let them think you’re weaker or less capable. Meanwhile, you’ll be the one calling the shots, the one who outsmarts them all. In the end, you’ll be the wolf in the room, showing that women have a powerful place in this industry.”
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Christine Smith | Grön
“My advice to other women seeking to enter the cannabis industry is to not be afraid to fail, be decisive and take action. Be honest and share your hard-earned wisdom gained from your experiences. Women naturally build and cultivate relationships. Female leaders show up differently than male leaders in terms of building caring connections, mentoring, developing others and a sincere connection to community. In today’s world, I think this is a real superpower.”
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Doreen Sullivan | My Bud Vase
“The camaraderie and connectivity among women in the cannabis industry is unparalleled. Nowhere else have I seen such deep-rooted passion infused into every facet of an industry — whether it’s wellness, fashion, hospitality, compassionate care, or, in our case, home decor. Women have an innate ability to weave together creativity, purpose and community, and in cannabis, we’re redefining the narrative with every connection we make.
Take what you love, add cannabis, and discover your path in this extraordinary industry.”
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Taylor Thompson | Taylor Nicole Fragrances
“Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Be brave enough to introduce yourself to people you don’t know. You’d be surprised how far just asking a question can take you.”
Visit Pure Blossom for Cannabis and Other Essentials
Explore Pure Blossom’s curated selection of New Jersey cannabis brands and essential accessories. Whether you’re doing the old Google thing, searching for a dispensary near me or nearby dispensaries in New Jersey, Pure Blossom is a short, scenic, calming drive away, and our friendly guide-connoisseurs are excited to take you through our curated selection of New Jersey cannabis brands (and other essentials). We’ll see you there!