Empowering Green: How Women Are Leading the Way in the Cannabis Market

It’s time to celebrate Women’s History Month! The cannabis industry is filled with unique people united by one plant, and one group of people in particular is increasing their share of the business: women! Join us as we explore the increasing number of female consumers, the rise of women-led businesses, and the impactful leadership of women entrepreneurs and trailblazers.

Female Consumers in Cannabis:

According to studies completed by Flowhu, there’s been a notable rise in female cannabis consumers. More women are turning to natural alternatives like cannabis products to manage pain and other qualifying conditions. This trend can be attributed to factors such as changing societal attitudes, increased legalization, and growing awareness of cannabis’s therapeutic benefits for women’s health.

Headset mentions that it comes to product preferences, women often choose options that offer therapeutic benefits and promote self-care. Topicals and wellness products are popular for their holistic approach to well-being. Low-dose edibles are amazing for discreteness and ease of use, allowing women to incorporate cannabis into their routines without stigma.

In terms of consumption methods, many women prefer vaping, tinctures, and microdosing for their precise dosing and quick onset of effects. These methods are valued for promoting relaxation and enhancing overall quality of life.

Rise of Women-Led Businesses:

The rise of women-led businesses in the cannabis industry is a testament to the shifting landscape of entrepreneurship and gender equality. Across functions such as cultivation, retail, and ancillary services, women entrepreneurs are making their mark with innovation and strategy. From managing cultivation operations to creating unique retail experiences, these women are reshaping the cannabis industry and challenging traditional norms.

Success stories abound among women entrepreneurs who have overcome barriers and paved the way for others in the industry. Trail Blazers like Montannah, author of Tannahbis coffee table books, have demonstrated remarkable creativity and vision in navigating the complexities of a male-dominated field. Others, like Dr. Bridget Williams, have leveraged their medical expertise to care for patients and drive industry-wide change. These women-led businesses not only contribute to the economic growth of the cannabis industry but also serve as inspiring examples of empowerment and inclusivity.

Conclusion:

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s clear that women are making significant strides in shaping the cannabis industry. From increasing female consumers to the rise of women-led businesses breaking barriers and driving industry-wide change, their influence can’t be denied. Leaders like Katie Burrel, Co-Founder of a Cannabis Marketing Agency called PufCreative, and Cimone Casson, owner of Cannas Capital Insurance Firm, truly show resilience and determination in reshaping traditionally male-dominated spaces. Their success stories not only contribute to the industry’s growth but also inspire us on our journey of empowerment and inclusivity!

Rooted Legacy: Cannabis Throughout Black History

Ancient Roots in Africa (3000 BC - 1000 AD):

Did you know that the Mexican term ‘marijuana’ is linked to the word ‘mariamba’, which was used in Kimbundu, a trade language from West and Central Africa? “A Brief Agricultural history of Cannabis in Africa” by Chris Duvall shows that cannabis came to Africa around 1000 years ago, marking the plant’s official introduction to the continent. However, there are many signs that ancient Egyptians found several uses for the cannabis plant as many as 5,000 years ago. It wasn’t until around 1500 AD that the plant’s popularity started to grow and spread over Africa. Farmers were known to cultivate the plant under a variety of settings, and cannabis gardens have been documented in many African countries, including South Africa, Mozambique, and Angola.

Pipe smoking, a huge shift in cannabis consumption, originated in Africa around this time. Before this development, cannabis was often ingested orally in Asia, where the plant originated. “The History of Cannabis in Africa: True Tales of Oppression, Suppression and Exploitation” mentions that there were many different techniques to prepare the cannabis plant for smoking, but the most simple and popular method was to dry the flowers beforehand.

The introduction of pipe smoking in Africa led to a significant shift in the cultural and historical landscape of cannabis usage, which we see all over today. Modern techniques of cannabis consumption, such as water pipes, hookahs, and bongs, all trace their origins back to the single invention of pipe smoking, showing the impact African history has on today’s cannabis culture.

Arrival to the World Through African Slave Trade (1526 - 1867):

As the slave trade unfolded, cannabis was valued for its health effects, primarily as a stimulant and medicinal plant. A complex relationship with the plant began as slavers provided cannabis for slaves to smoke during forced marches to give them moments of relief in the painful, horrible journey.

A commercial trade where slaves transported cannabis shipments to the coast was also established during this time. Cannabis seeds were sown into the clothing worn on slave ships and were spread upon their arrival to the Americas, allowing the plant to travel across continents. Chris Duvall’s “The African Roots of Marijuana” mentions that these slaves “carried Cannabis indica to more locations and for a longer period of time than any other group of migrants.”

In the 16th century, slaves from various countries including Angola, brought cannabis seeds to Brazilian sugar plantations. Slave owners encouraged slaves to tend to their own cannabis plants in order to combat periods of ‘laziness’ and to increase productivity while they weren’t actively being forced to work.

The Jazz Era and Prohibition (1910- 1939) :

“Why, When, and How Marijuana Became Illegal” mentions how marijuana was utilized for various reasons for centuries in the Americas, but it wasn’t until the Prohibition Era (1920-1933), when alcohol was banned, that its recreational use really took off. Southern state governments began to regulate the cannabis plant around this time, claiming that its use had an impact on crime rates and that by banning cannabis, it would cause immigrants who brought the plant with them to leave. By 1931, recreational cannabis had become illegal in most of the United States, however it was still growing and thriving in the Jazz landscape.

The History Channel states that the 1910’s marked a golden age for African American culture– the Harlem Renaissance had begun and the American Dream was going strong. The Black community sought refuge in communal spaces where they could dance and hang out called juke joints. These places were a safe space for Black people to escape from their everyday racial struggles. This made it an ideal space to partake in drinking, dancing, and listening to their favorite Jazz musicians. Cannabis was utilized by many, many of these Jazz musicians who played in juke joints from 1920-1939 for its ability to help the creative process as they made music and to keep that flow going while they performed. The love for reefer (or cannabis) showed through the numerous songs that Jazz musicians dedicated to it.

Black Jazz musician Louis Armstrong is among the top artists of all time in the genre, and he took the music scene by storm with his transformation of Jazz music, including his song “Muggles”, a slang term for marijuana. Cab Calloway, the first African American to sell one million records, joined the ranks with a few releases mentioning marijuana during the 1930s and 1940s, including “Reefer Man” and “The Man From Harlem”. Despite segregation going strong, these songs were playing in many households across the country.

Due to its links to African Americans, jazz became known as “The Devil’s Music” and deemed to be demonic and immoral, sparking fear in those who believed the propaganda. “Reefer Madness”, a movie that made its debut in 1936, was just one of the campaigns to prove that marijuana brought nothing but trouble.

The War on Drugs (1971 - 1995) :

Harry Anslinger, director of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, had done much work in the 1930s-1960s to link anti-cannabis rhetoric to an anti-Black mindset. He was quoted saying, “Satanic music, jazz and swing, results from marijuana use. This marijuana causes white women to seek sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers, and others.” According to “Racism and Its Effect on Cannabis Research” by Robert Solomon, Anslinger’s work to introduce marijuana reform with the 1937 Marijuana Tax Act set the stage for the Marijuana Controlled Substances Act of 1970. Signed by President Richard Nixon in 1970, this act categorized drugs from Schedule 1 to 5 based on the danger they pose (marijuana falls as a schedule 1 substance) and is still in place today.

In 1971, President Nixon declared the “War on Drugs” to combat drug abuse and increase government efforts to control it. According to PBS’ Marijuana Timeline, the initiative went into the background for a little while, until conservative groups lobbied for stricter policies and gained a lot of support from large organizations like the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This did much in changing the public opinion of cannabis to a negative one. President Ronald Regain strengthened the initiative in 1981, when he signed the Anti-Drug Abuse Act.

PBS’ Marijuana Timeline goes on to mention that under the Anti-Drug Abuse Act, policy allowed for three infractions before life sentences were given. 100 marijuana plants was sentenced equal to 100 grams of heroin. Unfortunately, this led to a snowball effect as incarceration, especially of Black people, became much more emphasized than treatment due to governmental pushes and public fears of the crack epidemic rising.

According to the 1996 Crime in the United States (CIUS) Report, from 1980-1995, there was an 80% increase in the total number of arrests for the possession or sale of marijuana. In 1995, the proportion of Black people in total drug arrests increased from 24% in 1980 to 39% in 1995. On the other hand, White arrests decreased from 75% in 1980 to 60% in 1995. The distribution of other racial groups stayed relatively the same during this period.

The Present (2000 - Present) :

California became the first state to legalize recreational cannabis use for adults 21 and over in 2016. In the years since then, we’ve seen several states reform their cannabis policies, with Ohio becoming the most recent state to legalize recreational marijuana in 2023. As marijuana possession and use becomes legal across the United States, we reach a new climate as the public opinion on marijuana steadily changes.

According to The Pew Research Center, 85% of Black Americans now say at least the medical use of marijuana should be legal. Outrage ensued as Black track star Sha’Carri Richardson was unable to compete in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after THC led to a failed drug test. The growing support for her and other users of cannabis can be attributed to several factors such as the widespread popularity of Hip Hop culture and its ties to marijuana, increased research and understanding of the plant, and the success of states adopting new legalization policies.

California became the first state to legalize recreational cannabis use for adults 21 and over in 2016. In the years since then, we’ve seen several states reform their cannabis policies, with Ohio becoming the most recent state to legalize recreational marijuana in 2023. As marijuana possession and use becomes legal across the United States, we reach a new climate as the public opinion on marijuana steadily changes.

According to The Pew Research Center, 85% of Black Americans now say at least the medical use of marijuana should be legal. Outrage ensued as Black track star Sha’Carri Richardson was unable to compete in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after THC led to a failed drug test. The growing support for her and other users of cannabis can be attributed to several factors such as the widespread popularity of Hip Hop culture and its ties to marijuana, increased research and understanding of the plant, and the success of states adopting new legalization policies.

Mental health conversations have opened up and safe spaces are now ways to facilitate mental and physical self-care, many of which utilize cannabis to maintain this. A 2020 Statista survey showed that 27% of Black Americans aged 18-25 mentioned that they had used marijuana in the last month. The social aspect of cannabis remains strong as the shift from juke joints to Black nightclubs and bars gives a way to escape pressures of daily life and build community.

With that said, we still have much to do. The American Civil Liberties Union mentions that from 2001-2010, over 8.2 million people were arrested for simple marijuana possession. Of this number, Black people were around 4 times more likely to be arrested. Fortunately, programs like Last Prisoner Project, a nonprofit dedicated to reforming the criminal justice system and supporting those affected, are becoming more commonplace and pardons are being issued. With this information, we look toward a brighter future and are excited to see society form a healthy relationship with the plant that weaves a connection through Black history.

To learn more about the Last Prisoner Project, click here!

Top 5 Unique Valentine’s Day Gifts Your Partner Won’t Expect

Valentine’s Day is here, and while it’s a time of love, it can be a bit stressful to figure out what to get your special someone. Look no further, we’ve created a list with the best gift ideas for you! From personalized fragrances to custom cannabis accessories, here are the top 5 Valentine’s gifts that will make your celebration a hit.

Customized Cannabis Accessories (#5):

You can elevate your partner’s cannabis experience by including that special personalized touch. Customize rolling papers with unique designs or their name, place a picture you both love on a high-quality grinder, or give them a cool reminder of their favorite character on a new lighter. This gift combines thoughtfulness and functionality into one amazing product, creating a unique and memorable addition to their cannabis repertoire.

Etsy is an amazing place to get these items made and shipped to you, here are some options to get you started:

Memory-Making Time(#4):

As they say, “experience gives us memories that last a lifetime.” Whether it’s a cooking class, a uniquely-themed restaurant you’ve always wanted to try followed by a visit to a museum exhibition, or a weekend getaway, an experience that you both can enjoy together is sure to make a memory that you’ll be able to look back on. These shared adventures not only deepen your connection but also write stories that will become cherished chapters in the book of your relationship, making every moment truly unforgettable.

Below are some cool and unique things to do near you!

Columbus
Athens
1. Athena Cinema
2. Kennedy Museum of Art
3. Vacation Cabin Getaway
Beavercreek
1. Two Social | Gaming Center & Bar
2. Wild Axe Throwing
3. The Learning Kitchen

Cannabis Themed Apparel (#3):

Does your partner have a passion for fashion? Make a bold statement with cannabis-themed apparel that reflects your partner’s tastes. From stylish T-shirts and hoodies to cool accessories and jewelry, there are endless options to showcase their love for cannabis culture. Choosing pieces that align with their style makes this a thoughtful gift that they will absolutely appreciate. Not only does this gift allow them to express their interests, but it also adds a touch of individuality to their wardrobe, ensuring they stand out with a unique and fashionable edge.

Here’s a list of some amazing options we found:

Custom Fragrance (#2):

Did you know that attraction is often linked to scent? Harnessing this intriguing connection, we’re recommending a custom fragrance as the perfect gift. You can work with a perfumer to create a scent that embodies the essence of your relationship or find a custom candle shop near you. Whether it’s a blend of floral notes, warm spices, or citrus undertones, a custom fragrance is a personal and romantic gift that will be cherished.

The list below has a few custom perfume and scent companies that ship to your house!

Mavuno of OH Valentine’s Day Love Bundle (#1):

We’ve saved the best for last! Kick off the celebration with our curated Valentine’s Day Love Bundle, featuring the romantic essentials: topicals, chocolates, and cannabis flower. Available on Valentine’s Day at a 30% discount, this bundle can be paired perfectly with a gift basket or given as a stand-alone gift. Complete the gesture with a personalized card, scented candles, and a heartfelt message, tailoring it to your partner’s tastes for a one-of-a-kind expression of your love.

This Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to step outside the ordinary to express your love with gifts that mirror the uniqueness of your relationship. Each of these presents is bound to make your celebration truly memorable. Demonstrate your appreciation for your partner’s individuality and celebrate the bond you share with gifts that resonate with their heart. Let us know all about how your Valentine’s Day went by tagging us @mavuno2u on Instagram!

The list below has a few custom perfume and scent companies that ship to your house!

5 Outstanding Ways to Celebrate MLK Day in Your Community

This year, Mavuno of OH is celebrating MLK Day and as we commemorate the enduring legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., we realize there’s no better way to honor his life than by actively contributing to the well-being of our communities to create a meaningful impact. Here are five inspiring ways to spread joy and create a more vibrant community:

Community Clean-Up:

There’s a unique sense of camaraderie that comes with working together towards a common goal. Organize a community clean-up event where residents come armed with gloves and trash bags to rejuvenate local parks, streets, or communal spaces. This not only enhances the physical environment but also fosters a shared commitment to the well-being of the community.

Kindness Ripple Effect:

Initiate a kindness campaign that encourages residents to perform random acts of kindness throughout the day. Distribute cards or flyers suggesting simple yet impactful acts like offering a friendly smile, helping a neighbor, or leaving positive notes in public spaces. Watch as these small acts create a ripple effect, uplifting the spirits of everyone involved.

Cultural Potluck Celebration:

Break down barriers and celebrate diversity by organizing a community potluck that showcases the rich tapestry of cultures within your neighborhood. Encourage residents to bring dishes that represent their heritage, fostering understanding and appreciation for the vibrant backgrounds that make up your community.

Community Storytelling Gathering:

Embrace the power of storytelling to strengthen the bonds within your community. Host a gathering where residents can share personal stories that highlight unity, resilience, and overcoming challenges. Whether through spoken word, written narratives, or visual presentations, storytelling fosters empathy and connection.

Artistic Expressions of Unity:

Tap into the creative talents of your community by organizing an art project that reflects the themes of unity, equality, and positive change. Encourage local artists to contribute murals, sculptures, or other visual representations that celebrate the shared values of Martin Luther King Jr. These artistic expressions not only beautify public spaces but also serve as constant reminders of the community’s commitment to a brighter future.

Now that you have the tools to celebrate this holiday honoring the work MLK and others like him did to make the world a better place, it’s the perfect opportunity to browse events near you!

CBD Month: Top 5 CBD Products You Can’t Miss!

We understand that the world of CBD can be overwhelming, with an abundance of products flooding the market. That's why we've taken it upon ourselves to sift through the options, meticulously selecting the crème de la crème to bring you a list of must-try CBD products. Each item on our list has earned its spot through rigorous testing, positive customer feedback, and a commitment to the highest standards of quality.

1.) Wana 100mg Hybrid 2:1 CBD:THC Gummies- Exotic Yuzu Lemon

Immerse yourself in the extraordinary fusion of flavors with Wana’s Exotic Yuzu Sour Gummies, featuring a 2:1 CBD to THC ratio for a well-rounded experience. Inspired by the rare Asian fruit, these handcrafted treats capture the distinct acidity and unique sweetness of Yuzu, creating a taste sensation that sets them apart. Crafted with care using all-natural, vegan, and gluten-free ingredients, these gummies undergo a meticulous infusion process during cooking. The result is a perfect balance of CBD and THC terpene-enhanced distillate, offering the combined benefits of both cannabinoids in a 2:1 ratio.

2.) UBGOOD: 110mg 20:1 CBD:THC Tincture (Relief)

Savor the simplicity of a cannabis experience free from lingering tastes, providing a seamless and effective solution to your wellness needs. UBGood’s commitment to quality shines through in every drop, offering a tincture that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of patients seeking a refined and reliable cannabis experience. This is a favorite among patients for its clean, non-lingering taste, remarkable effectiveness, and cost efficiency.

3.) Certified 100mg Hybrid 1:1 Gummies Black Cherry Rubies

Certified’s Black Cherry Rubies are meticulously formulated with higher doses of CBD, strategically designed to combat inflammation and target various pain mechanisms with the utmost comfort. Each bite is a fusion of effective relief and the indulgent taste of black cherry, offering a palatable solution to your wellness journey.

4.) 2mg : 6mg CBD 'Social' Sparkling Pear

Camino Sparkling Pear Gummies aren’t just a treat for your taste buds; they’re a holistic experience carefully curated with terpenes including Limonene, Beta-Caryophyllene, and Linalool that align with your well-being. Elevate your moment with the perfect blend of taste, relaxation, and therapeutic magic.

5.) Wana 100mg Strawberry Lemonade 1:1 Gummies

Meticulously crafted with all-natural, vegan, and gluten-free ingredients, these delectable treats marry the essence of bright citrus and the richness of strawberry. Beyond their delectable flavor profile, the popular 1:1 ratio within these gummies offers a unique blend of psychoactive effects, promoting a sense of relaxation and tranquility. Elevate your CBD experience with the perfect equilibrium of nature’s flavors and the harmonious balance of cannabinoids..