The place of women in society has been a questionable issue over the decades. Around three decades ago, women could not openly use their Pink Lemonade strain in public. Though state and federal regulations played a part in the same, it was mostly due to gender stereotypes. It is considered normal for a group of men to hang around smoking their joints but not for women.
How society views and treats women is what most women’s rights advocates have been trying to conquer. The marijuana world is no different. Remarkably, certain shifts have enabled women to smoke and engage in cannabis businesses. The only question is, are they enough?
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Outdated Stereotypes of Marijuana Users
For a long time, stoners and potheads have been associated with negative stereotypes. Whenever one would give an example of a stoner, they would paint them as a dirty, careless, and unfocused man. It was inconceivable to imagine a woman could smoke; whenever they did, it was highly frowned upon.
These negative stereotypes paint the picture of weed being bad for recreational use. Their existence can be seen as a tactic to deter people from turning to drugs. The only thing that doesn’t fit is their levels of exaggeration. With changing trends, potheads are no longer shone in a bad light.
On the contrary, people who use marijuana have become important societal figures. They can go about their daily life the drug causing functional impairment. Why this is remarkable because the outdated stereotypes are slowly fading. But what does this mean for women stoners? Well, in states such as Nevada, having medical marijuana card is essential. Having this card grants access to the dispensaries. Understanding Nevada’s Medical Marijuana Card Program is a vital step in fully enjoying the benefits of weed.
Some women’s rights activists state that the plight of ladies is changing for the better. Now more than ever, females have allies from all camps and are close to achieving gender equality. This similarly applies to the act of lighting up a joint. There are no harsh judgments for ladies who partake in cannabis nowadays. Women can use and even purchase their products openly in whichever state it is legal.
The Role of Legislation in Women’s Involvement in Cannabis
People fighting for women’s rights are well aware of legislation’s role in their victories and defeats. This is also similar to the issue with weed as their legalization determines conditions of use. Legalization within the state and the set of regulations controlling the use is what rolls out how much people can buy and which people can do the same.
Within the US, 37 states have allowed medicinal use of the drug, and 19 for recreational uses. This legalization benefits not only the stoners but other interested parties. When it comes to women, the legislation allows them to freely partake in the drug and get involved in the business side.
Overall, legislation has made it possible for weed to be used in medicine and for recreation. These are major moves considering that women suffering from conditions such as Arthritis, chronic pain, and the like can access them just like the men.
Women in Marijuana Business
In the last century, women’s involvement in business was highly frowned upon. Even as it is, women everywhere are still fighting for equality in jobs and businesses. The marijuana scene is no different. Though it has a significant number of ladies in executive positions, the ratio to men is still wanting.
Reports from credited publications show that 42% of women in the cannabis industry have executive roles in recreational dispensaries. This percentage is higher than the 35% of females in leadership roles in medicinal marijuana centers.
These figures may seem favorable, but not when considering the percentage of men in the field. As it is, 75% of workers in the industry are men. Females have been striving to make themselves fundamental in the weed business scene, but men have significantly higher numbers.
Regardless of the stark differences, it is important to note that ladies are now more than ever open to initiating leadership and mastery of the cannabis plant. Figures such as Michka Seeliger-Chatelain have contributed to the knowledge of plant strains and widespread occurrences. There have also been women’s organizations opening up dispensaries and growth companies.
The main takeaway is that females are deeply involved in the marijuana business. Whether or not they take on leadership roles, they are involved in the process. Gone are the days when they couldn’t pool their funds and own a business together. Today, there are weed brands that exclusively have women on their boards.
Women, Weed, and Popular Culture
One of the mirrors of society is popular culture. People see what others are doing in society through the media, songs, and films. For decades, the mainstream media has taken to reflecting women in subservient roles. Also, they have constantly pushed the negative stereotypes of ladies who use pot.
Women in such films or adverts would not freely use cannabis. Most stoner characters were delegated to men. A review of current films and songs shows that this is changing. Now it is not so farfetched to find a woman selling weed in films or a group of them lighting up at the end of the day. This representation goes a long way in cementing the use of cannabis among females and males altogether.
Conclusion
Women have always had to fight for their place in society. At first, it was considered contributing members and their involvement in the business. To exist as freely as men, they have had to fight some stereotypes. Weed use is no different. For a long time, it was inconceivable for a woman to partake in the drug in the open, just like the men. Since it was a lazy people’s drug, marijuana use was highly frowned upon. But not anymore. Ladies and men can freely use and sell it without restrictions.
