The Women in CannaBusiness Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of The Women in CannaBusiness Podcast, host Olivia Castaldy sits down with Kelly Graffin, also known as Short & Stoned,  a bold voice on social media in cannabis education, content creation, and disability inclusion.

Kelly shares her powerful story as a former licensed cannabis manufacturer in Colorado, where she became one of the state’s youngest MIP (Marijuana-Infused Product) license holders. As a medical marijuana patient living with dwarfism, she speaks candidly about the challenges of running a cannabis business and the structural barriers many disabled entrepreneurs face in the industry.

Now based in Los Angeles, Kelly continues her mission as a cannabis content creator and accessibility advocate, using humor and storytelling to normalize plant medicine and highlight issues often overlooked in mainstream cannabis conversations.

Tune in to hear how she’s carved out a unique path in the cannabis industry — from dispensary worker to licensee to digital educator — and why true inclusion starts with listening, amplifying, and building space for every body.

📲 Follow Kelly: Instagram: @shortandstoned TikTok: @shortandstoned Twitter/X: @shortandstoned Website: https://shortandstoned.com

This season is sponsored by OCM Digital Marketing, a trusted partner for cannabis brands and small businesses seeking strategic, compliance-friendly marketing that delivers results.

We’re back for Season 3 — and we’re kicking it off with a powerhouse. Dr. Chanda Macias, Chairwoman and CEO of Women Grow and CEO of National Holistic Healing Center, joins us to talk about leading with purpose, pushing policy forward, and staying grounded through the chaos of the cannabis industry.

In this episode, Dr. Chanda shares how she transitioned from cancer research to cannabis reform, how she built one of the most impactful global women’s networks in the space, and why uplifting others is the foundation of her leadership. We discuss her advice to those just entering the industry, her approach to policy change, and the importance of resilience and rest.

As the first African American woman to own a multi-state vertically integrated medical cannabis company in the U.S., Dr. Chanda is changing the game — and lifting others while doing it.

This is a conversation about legacy, leadership, and showing up with intention.

🎧 Tune in now and don’t forget to subscribe to catch every episode this season.

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Season 3 Sponsor

This season of The Women in CannaBusiness is sponsored by OCM Digital Marketing, a full-service marketing agency dedicated to supporting mission-driven brands in the cannabis, hemp & wellness industries.

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Guest Links:

🔗 Women Grow

📸 @drchanda_macias

📸 @drchandaqueenzulu2020

💼 LinkedIn - Dr. Chanda

📍 @womengrow

📍 @nationalholisticdc

In this episode of the Women in Cannabusiness Podcast, we sit down with Shannon Donnelly, a true pioneer and advocate for inclusivity in the cannabis industry. Shannon’s journey began in 2007 when she discovered the benefits of CBD for managing depression, menstrual cramps, and mental health challenges. From those early days as a budtender during the medical cannabis boom in Colorado, Shannon has built an impressive career spanning education, advocacy, and entrepreneurship. 🌿✨

Today, Shannon is the Executive Director of The Center for Social Equity Support, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering inclusivity and empowering social equity applicants in the cannabis space. With 16 years of experience, Shannon has played a pivotal role in shaping the industry, including licensing over 20 social equity applicants through Colorado’s Cannabis Cares program. She also serves as a Cannabis Hospitality Professor at MSU Denver, where she mentors the next generation of cannabis professionals.

In this episode, Shannon reflects on her personal journey, the importance of social equity in cannabis, and how she balances her roles as an educator, nonprofit leader, and entrepreneur with her flower business, Betty’s Petals. Her story is one of resilience, passion, and vision for a more inclusive and innovative cannabis industry.

Special thanks to our Season’s Silver Sponsor, Ispire Technology

Where Innovation Meets Inhalation.

Ispire Technology is a leader in the research, development, design, marketing, and distribution of branded e-cigarettes and cannabis vaping products. With over 400 patents globally, Ispire's e-cigarette products, sold under the Aspire brand, are distributed worldwide (excluding China and Russia). The company also partners with brands and retailers through ODM (original design manufacturing) relationships.

Ispire’s cannabis products, sold under the Ispire brand, are available in the U.S., Europe, South Africa, and now in Canada and Latin America.

We’re also proud to highlight Luna Stower, Ispire’s Chief Impact Officer, whose work continues to drive meaningful change in the cannabis industry.

Check Ispire out at getispire.com and follow them on Instagram: @getispire.

Follow & Connect with Shannon:

• Personal Instagram: @shannon.e.donnelly
• The Center for Social Equity Support: @socialequitysupport
• LinkedIn: Shannon Donnelly
• The Center for Social Equity Support: socialequitysupport.org
• Personal Website: borntosharecannabis.com

🎧 Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for an inspiring conversation about Shannon’s journey and her vision for a more inclusive cannabis industry.

#WomenInCannabusiness #SocialEquity #CannaWomen #CannabisIndustry #EducationInCannabis #GetIspire #Podcast #WomenLeaders

In this episode of the Women in Cannabusiness Podcast, we’re joined by Jocelyn Sheltraw, Co-Founder and CEO of Budist, the first professional review platform for cannabis products and brands. 🌿 With a background in mobile apps and over 7 years of experience in cannabis, Jocelyn’s journey is a testament to innovation, perseverance, and carving a unique path in a growing industry.

Jocelyn shares how her career began in the emerging mobile app industry, where she worked with global brands like Spotify, SoundCloud, Pandora, and Uber. After transitioning to the cannabis industry, she spent five years at Headset, playing a key role in developing the company into a leader in data and analytics for cannabis. Now as an entrepreneur, Jocelyn is revolutionizing how consumers and professionals rate and review cannabis products through Budist.

In this episode, we discuss Jocelyn’s career evolution, her entrepreneurial leap, and the challenges of building a groundbreaking platform in cannabis. From her time as a mobile tech leader to earning accolades such as Leaf Magazine’s '2024 Impact List' and MG Magazine’s '40 Under 40,' Jocelyn’s story offers valuable insights for anyone navigating the cannabis or tech industries.

Follow & Connect with Jocelyn and Budist:

• Download the Budist App and learn more at www.budist.com
• Follow Budist: @budist_official
• Follow Jocelyn: @jocybossy
• Connect with Jocelyn on LinkedIn: Jocelyn Sheltraw

🎧 Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to hear Jocelyn’s incredible journey from traditional tech to CannaTech and how she’s shaping the future of cannabis reviews with Budist.

Follow @WomeninCannabusiness on socials to connect with us.

In this episode of the Women in Cannabusiness Podcast, we’re joined by Lisa Buffo, founder of the Cannabis Marketing Association (CMA) and a trailblazer in the cannabis industry. Lisa’s journey is one of passion, resilience, and determination as she navigated the early days of legalization in Colorado to build a community that empowers marketers in the cannabis space.

Lisa shares how she moved to Colorado in 2014—the historic year adult-use cannabis became legal—and started her journey in the industry with an entry-level trimming job. From there, she combined her drive and expertise to establish CMA, a professional organization committed to educating and connecting cannabis marketers.

In this episode, Lisa dives into the challenges of building a career in cannabis, her mission to professionalize cannabis marketing, and how CMA is fostering collaboration and innovation across the industry. Whether you’re just starting your cannabis career or are a seasoned professional, Lisa’s insights will inspire and empower you.

Follow CMA on Instagram @cannamarketing and visit their website at thecannabismarketingassociation.com to learn more about their work!

Special thanks to our Season’s Silver Sponsor, Ispire Technology

Where Innovation Meets Inhalation.

Ispire Technology is a leader in the research, development, design, marketing, and distribution of branded e-cigarettes and cannabis vaping products. With over 400 patents globally, Ispire's e-cigarette products, sold under the Aspire brand, are distributed worldwide (excluding China and Russia). The company also partners with brands and retailers through ODM (original design manufacturing) relationships.

Ispire’s cannabis products, sold under the Ispire brand, are available in the U.S., Europe, South Africa, and now in Canada and Latin America.

A special thank you to Luna Stower, Ispire’s Chief Impact Officer, who continues to drive meaningful change and innovation in the cannabis industry.

Check Ispire out at getispire.com and follow them on Instagram @getispire to learn more!

🎧 Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to hear Lisa’s story of growth, resilience, and cultivating community in the cannabis industry.

#WomenInCannabusiness #CannabisMarketing #CMA #LisaBuffo #WomenInCannabis #CannabisCommunity #GetIspire

In this empowering episode of The Women in Cannabusiness, we sit down with Kristin McFarland, Founder & CEO of The Source Marketing Group, a cannabis and craft beer marketing technology company based in Denver, Colorado. Kristin shares her inspiring journey from leading marketing efforts for Fortune 200 companies to blazing her own trail as an entrepreneur in the cannabis industry.

We dive deep into Kristin’s story, including how cannabis helped her recover from a level 2 neck fusion and embrace plant medicine instead of traditional opioid options. Her mission of plants over pills has shaped her passion for breaking stigmas and creating opportunities in the cannabis space. Kristin opens up about overcoming hardships, breaking barriers as a woman in the industry, and finding mentors who guide and support growth.

We also explore her expertise in monetizing customer data, building cutting-edge WordPress websites, and crafting high-performing email marketing strategies. Plus, she shares advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and insights into her Market Like a Badass podcast, which empowers women and minorities in business.

Check out Kristin's Market Like a Badass podcast on your favorite platform:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Amazon Music

🎧 Listen now and be inspired!

In this episode of Women in Cannabusiness, we’re joined by the visionary Elizabeth Becker, founder of HiBnb @experiencehibnb, a groundbreaking platform connecting cannabis enthusiasts with cannabis-friendly accommodations, classes, and experiences around the world. Elizabeth's journey is a testament to resilience and innovation, as she shifted from a 25-year career in film and television to a new frontier in cannabis hospitality. Seeing opportunity in Canada's 2018 legalization, Elizabeth made it her mission to build a stigma-free, globally connected community that welcomes all to embrace a cannabis-positive lifestyle.

Elizabeth shares her story of entrepreneurial highs and challenges, her drive to break down barriers in the cannabis space, and the evolution of HiBnb as it offers travelers a unique way to enjoy cannabis in a safe, welcoming environment. We dive deep into her path from film studies to cannabis advocacy, her insights into work-life balance, and her experience as an internationally recognized disruptor at the intersection of cannabis, hospitality, and technology.

Special thanks to this Season’s Silver Sponsor, Ispire Technology. Ispire @getispire is a leader in research, development, and distribution of innovative cannabis vaping products, with over 400 patents globally. Their cannabis products are available across the U.S., Europe, South Africa, Canada, and Latin America. Ispire’s dedication to the industry is powered by changemakers like Luna Stower, Chief Impact Officer, whose support uplifts women in cannabis and champions progress in this ever-evolving space. Visit getispire.com to learn more!

🎧 Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to hear Elizabeth’s inspiring journey and the future of cannabis-friendly hospitality.

#WomenInCannabusiness #CannabisCommunity #HiBnb #StayHi #CannabisTravel #CannabisFriendlyAccomodations

In this vibrant episode of The Women in CannaBusiness podcast, we join powerhouse duo Doreen Sullivan and JM Balbuena as they recount their summer 2024 "Bong Voyage" tour. Together, they traveled the West Coast, stopping at smoke shops, dispensaries, and even the Montana State Fair, to amplify awareness around cannabis advocacy, normalization, and their journeys as trailblazers in the industry.

Doreen, the visionary behind My Bud Vase (@MyBudVase), shares the challenges of building a luxury cannabis accessory brand in an illegal southern state, tackling adversity, and bridging the gap between masculine and feminine consumption. JM (@_JMBalbuena), a U.S. Navy veteran and CMO at Prime Harvest, opens up about her path from corporate life to entrepreneurship, how cannabis helped her manage PTSD, and her ongoing projects, including her award-winning documentary, Roll Up for Equity.

Don’t miss this dynamic conversation on building resilience, embracing change, and breaking boundaries in the cannabis space. Plus, as a special treat, our listeners can use code WiCB25 for 25% off on My Bud Vase purchases or JM’s latest book, Green Renaissance, valid through November at mybudvase.com.

Tune in, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or LinkedIn, and join the journey of two unstoppable women breaking new ground in cannabis!

In this episode of Women in Cannabusiness, we’re joined by the inspiring Ashley Manta, known as the Cannasexual®. Ashley is a certified sexologist, author, and coach who’s pioneering a new approach to sexual wellness by combining cannabis with intimacy to foster deeper connections and pleasure.

Ashley’s journey is filled with powerful moments of transformation. Growing up in a conservative town, Ashley was a self-proclaimed “DARE kid” in the '90s who later began her career working in the District Attorney’s office in Pennsylvania. As an advocate for trauma survivors, she became deeply passionate about advocating for those incarcerated due to the war on drugs, especially for non-violent cannabis offenses.

We dive into Ashley’s transition from her early career in the DA’s office to becoming a leading voice in sexual wellness, where she coined the term "Cannasexual®" to describe her approach to combining cannabis and intimacy. From misconceptions about cannabis to the healing power of altered states, Ashley’s work has earned her features in major outlets like Forbes, Playboy, and Rolling Stone.

Tune in to hear about Ashley’s start at a Women Grow event, where the cannabis community welcomed her with open arms, and how she’s since become a sought-after speaker on topics like consent, communication, and using cannabis as a therapeutic tool in intimate settings. This episode is packed with Ashley’s unique insights and her commitment to breaking stigmas surrounding sex and cannabis.

Special thanks to our Season’s Silver Sponsor, Ispire Technology

Where Innovation Meets Inhalation.

Ispire Technology is a leader in the research, development, design, marketing, and distribution of branded e-cigarettes and cannabis vaping products. With over 400 patents globally, Ispire's e-cigarette products, sold under the Aspire brand, are distributed worldwide (excluding China and Russia). The company also partners with brands and retailers through ODM (original design manufacturing) relationships.

Ispire’s cannabis products, sold under the Ispire brand, are available in the U.S., Europe, South Africa, and now in Canada and Latin America.

Check Ispire out at getispire.com to learn more!

🎧 Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for a deep dive into Ashley’s groundbreaking work and the powerful fusion of cannabis and sexual wellness.

#WomenInCannabusiness #WomeninCannabis #Cannasexual #SexualWellness #CannabisCommunity #Empowerment #BreakingBarriers #ListenNow #GetIspire

In this exciting episode of the Women in Cannabusiness podcast, we sit down with the incredible Charlotte Welch, a true innovator who transitioned from styling for New York Fashion Week (NYFW) to creating a successful cannabis accessory brand. 🌿✨

Charlotte’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. After years in the fashion industry, working with top designers and bringing her eye for detail to NYFW, she decided to channel her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit into the cannabis space. She founded the Hautebox, a unique and fashion-forward canna accessory and brand that merges style with function. Charlotte opens up about her journey, the challenges she faced moving into a new industry, and how she’s reshaping cannabis accessories with a modern, stylish touch.

If you're curious about what it takes to bring fashion into the cannabis world and build a brand that stands out, this episode is a must-listen!

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Thank you to this Season’s Silver Sponsor, Ispire Technology

Where Innovation Meets Inhalation.

Ispire Technology is a leader in the research, development, design, marketing, and distribution of branded e-cigarettes and cannabis vaping products. With over 400 patents globally, Ispire's e-cigarette products, sold under the Aspire brand, are distributed worldwide (excluding China and Russia). The company also partners with brands and retailers through ODM (original design manufacturing) relationships.

Ispire’s cannabis products, sold under the Ispire brand, are available in the U.S., Europe, South Africa, and now in Canada and Latin America.

Check Ispire out at getispire.com to learn more!

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Tune in to Episode 3 to hear Charlotte’s inspiring story of innovation and creativity in the world of fashion and cannabis!

🎧 Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

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Be sure to subscribe and follow us on Spotify to hear more inspiring stories. Stay connected with us on social:

• Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook: @womenincannabusiness
• Learn more about Charlotte and the Hautebox at https://charlottewelch.co/ and follow them at @homeofhatuebox on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook!

#WomenInCannabusiness #CannabisAccessories #CannaWomen #FashionToCannabis #PodcastLife #ListenNow #BreakingBarriers #GetIspire #WiCB #WomeninCannaBusiness #CannaBusiness