Explore every episode of the podcast The Women in CannaBusiness Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kelly Graffin: The Realities of Licensing, Disability, and Content Creation in Cannabis | 29 Jul 2025 | 01:00:16 | |
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. | |||
| Dr. Chanda Macias: Championing Women, Policy, and Patient Access | 22 Jul 2025 | 01:04:45 | |
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. – 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. – Guest Links: | |||
| Shannon Donnelly: From Early Colorado Medical Days as a Budtender to Cannabis Hospitality Professor, Non-Profit Organizer & More | 10 Dec 2024 | 01:15:22 | |
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:
🎧 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 | |||
| Jocelyn Sheltraw: From Traditional Tech to CannaTech turned Co-Founder of Budist, a Rating System & App | 03 Dec 2024 | 01:00:43 | |
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:
🎧 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. | |||
| Lisa Buffo: Cultivating Community in Early Colorado REC Days to Founding the Cannabis Marketing Association | 26 Nov 2024 | 01:03:00 | |
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 | |||
| Kristin McFarland: Plants over Pills, Overcoming Stigmas and Taking the Leap to Entrepreneurship | 19 Nov 2024 | 00:49:15 | |
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: 🎧 Listen now and be inspired!
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| Elizabeth Becker: From Film Studies to Creating the Future of Cannabis-Friendly Accommodations Across the Globe | 12 Nov 2024 | 00:46:59 | |
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 | |||
| Doreen & JM During the My Bong Voyage Tour: What it's Like Being a Veteran in the Cannabis Industry & Corporate Marcom Life to Entrepreneur | 05 Nov 2024 | 01:10:34 | |
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! | |||
| Ashley Manta: Destigmatizing Sex & Cannabis, From Being An Advocate for Trauma Survivors to a Cannabis Sex Coach | 29 Oct 2024 | 00:51:53 | |
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 | |||
| Charlotte Welch: From Styling for NYFW to Building a Canna Accessory Brand | 22 Oct 2024 | 01:01:01 | |
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! —----- 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! —--- 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! —- Be sure to subscribe and follow us on Spotify to hear more inspiring stories. Stay connected with us on social:
#WomenInCannabusiness #CannabisAccessories #CannaWomen #FashionToCannabis #PodcastLife #ListenNow #BreakingBarriers #GetIspire #WiCB #WomeninCannaBusiness #CannaBusiness | |||
| Nikki Lastreto: Traveling Flower Child to Legacy Operator in California | 15 Oct 2024 | 01:08:01 | |
In this remarkable episode of Women in CannaBusiness, we welcome the legendary Nikki Lastreto, a true pioneer whose life is a tapestry of adventure, spirituality, and cannabis advocacy. Born and raised in San Francisco, Nikki is a true flower child. Her life since then has been nothing short of extraordinary. After traveling the world extensively—including spending years living in India—Nikki and her husband Swami found themselves in Mendocino County, where they established one of the most well-known sungrown cultivators in California. In this episode, Nikki opens up about the personal and spiritual sides of her journey, including:
Nikki also discusses her transition from a legacy operator to a legal cultivator, the eventual decision to terminate her cannabis license, and what’s next for her and Swami as they focus on growing personal plants, while continuing to host events through Club Swami. Tune in to hear:
This is a powerful episode about resilience, spirituality, and the role cannabis plays in healing and personal transformation. 🌿 Be sure to subscribe and follow us on Spotify or Apple to hear more inspiring stories. Stay connected with us on social:
Sponsored by OCM Digital Marketing, a marketing agency dedicated to helping small business owners thrive. #WomenInCannabis #CannabisHealing #LegacyOperator #SpiritualJourney #SwamiSelect #Podcast #CannaBiz #CannabisIndustry
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| Breaking Barriers: Olivia's Journey from Student to Seasoned Cannabis Marketer & the Mission Behind the Podcast | 20 Sep 2024 | 00:52:52 | |
In this premiere episode, host Olivia Castaldy shares her compelling story, from growing up in the South under the influence of D.A.R.E. and witnessing the opioid crisis in the Mid-Atlantic, to navigating barriers and breaking into the cannabis industry. Olivia reflects on her hardships growing up in a rural area and handling depression at an early age, where her passion for cannabis and the idea to work in cannabis marketing began. Olivia discusses what it was like to be the only woman at her workplace in the male-dominated industry of cannabis tech. This episode highlights Olivia’s drive to launch Women in Cannabusiness and her mission to create a platform that uplifts and supports women in the cannabis space. Tune in for insights on overcoming challenges, defying industry norms, and the inspiration behind this podcast. Special thanks to our Season 1 sponsor, OCM Digital, a full-service digital marketing agency focused on serving woman-owned businesses. Join the conversation and listen now! 🎧 Don’t miss out on this incredible journey!
🎤 Leave us a comment, share your thoughts, and drop a review – we’d love to hear from you! #CannabisPodcast #WomenInCannabusiness #WICB #CannabisIndustry #WomenInBusiness #CannabisMarketing #BreakingBarriers #PodcastLaunch #SubscribeNow #CannabisCommunity#OCMDigital #Season1Launch | |||
| Christina Betancourt Johnson: A Servant Leader’s Approach to Building a Vertically Integrated Cannabis Company | 03 Jun 2025 | 00:50:45 | |
Christina Betancourt Johnson is the founder and CEO of Standard Wellness Maryland — the first African American and Latina majority-owned, vertically integrated cannabis company in the U.S. With a background in executive leadership, nonprofit fundraising, and real estate, Christina entered the cannabis industry with both purpose and strategy, committed to building a brand rooted in service, equity, and integrity.
In our Season 2 finale, Christina joins us to talk about her transition into cannabis, what her day-to-day looks like as a CEO, and the deeper meaning behind her work.
We discuss:
Christina’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we lead with intention and remain grounded in who we are.
Connect with Christina: 🔗 LinkedIn 📸 Instagram 🌿 Standard Wellness Maryland 🏪 The Forest Dispensary – Baltimore, MD
Season 2 is presented by our sponsor, OCM Digital Marketing — a boutique marketing agency helping passion-driven cannabis and wellness brands grow through strategic social media, ad campaigns, and full-funnel marketing. | |||
| Luna Stower: From Educator to Advocate Trailblazing in the Cannabis Industry | 27 May 2025 | 00:46:28 | |
In this week’s episode of Women in CannaBusiness, we sit down with Luna Stower—one of the most well-known voices in the cannabis industry, recognized for her tireless work in advocacy, brand building, and creating space for women and equity in a still-male-dominated space. From classroom teacher to becoming employee #1 at companies like Jetty Extracts and Ispire, Luna shares how a car accident and time on disability became the unexpected pivot that launched her career in cannabis tech sales. Since then, she’s helped take multiple companies public and built some of the most beloved legacy brands in the space. This episode dives into the realities women face in the industry—complex dynamics, toxic environments, and the strength it takes to speak up. We also talk about:
🎧 Listen now to hear Luna’s incredible story and why her leadership style is rooted in impact over ego.
Follow Luna: Instagram: @luna.stower Website: www.LunaStower.com LinkedIn: Luna Stower
This season is sponsored by OCM Digital Marketing, supporting women-led cannabis brands through strategy-first marketing and ad management. | |||
| Marianne Cursetjee: Blending Corporate Strategy and Personal Healing into a Cannabis Brand | 20 May 2025 | 00:41:06 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Marianne Cursetjee, Co-Founder and CEO of Alibi Cannabis, a premium cannabis brand based in Oregon known for consistent, top-shelf flower and a systems-first approach to business growth. Marianne shares how her journey into the cannabis industry began during her own battle with cancer. After discovering the plant’s therapeutic value firsthand while undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, she and her husband purchased a farm in Oregon and began building what would become Alibi Cannabis. With a background in finance and tech, Marianne brings decades of corporate accounting and business operations experience into one of the most highly regulated industries today. We talk about how she’s transferred those skills into cannabis—navigating supply chain, distribution, dispensary relationships, and even the realities of running a family-owned business. In this episode, Marianne opens up about:
This episode is packed with wisdom for anyone interested in cannabis business ownership, patient advocacy, or building systems that scale in an unpredictable industry. 🎧 Listen now to hear Marianne’s full journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Follow Marianne & Alibi Cannabis: Instagram: @alibi.oregon Website: www.alibi.co LinkedIn: Marianne Cursetjee This season is sponsored by OCM Digital Marketing, empowering women-led brands in cannabis through strategy-first marketing and ads. | |||
| Beatrice Carranza: Breaking the Stigma and Representing Latina Culture in Cannabis | 13 May 2025 | 00:55:23 | |
In this episode of Women in CannaBusiness, we’re joined by Beatrice Carranza, the founder of BACHAZ, a Latina-owned cannabis brand bringing the bold, authentic flavors of Mexican culture to the cannabis industry. Beatrice’s journey from growing up as a teen mom in a border town to building a successful cannabis brand through the Social Equity Program is one of resilience, hard work, and passion. Her company, BACHAZ, stands out as the first cannabis brand in Colorado to offer bilingual packaging, making cannabis more accessible to Hispanic communities. Beatrice shares her personal journey from selling Mexican candies as a child to creating infused candies that represent her culture and community. With each gummy handcrafted in small batches, BACHAZ brings bold flavors like tamarindo chamoy and chili flakes, a true taste of a Mexican fruit cup with a cannabis twist. As a passionate advocate for social equity, Beatrice discusses the importance of representation and how she’s breaking the stigma around cannabis in Hispanic communities. In this episode, Beatrice talks about:
🎧 Tune in now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to hear Beatrice’s story and learn how she's helping to shape the future of cannabis through representation and social equity. Follow Beatrice and BACHAZ:
A huge thank you to OCM Digital Marketing, our sponsor for Season 2, for supporting the Women in CannaBusiness Podcast! | |||
| Wu Russell: From Indonesia to Full Time Cannabis Content Creator | 06 May 2025 | 01:11:22 | |
In this episode of Women in CannaBusiness, we sit down with Wu Russell, a trailblazing content creator who left Indonesia for the U.S. in 2019 to pursue her passion for storytelling—and ultimately found her calling in cannabis. Wu’s journey from selling Coca‑Cola on the streets of Jakarta to collaborating with global brands like Apple, and now shaping cannabis culture online, is a testament to grit and resilience. In this episode, Wu shares:
Whether you’re a creator, caregiver, entrepreneur, or simply cannabis‑curious, Wu’s story will inspire you to stand tall through life’s storms and chart your own course. Connect with Wu:
Follow us for more: @womenincannabusiness on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Don’t forget to leave a review and turn on notifications to get notified next week! #WomenInCannabusiness #CannabisContent #ContentCreator #IndonesiaCannabis #CannabisContentCreator | |||
| Rebecca Allen‑Tapp: From Oregon Legalization to Leading Cannabis Innovation in Europe | 29 Apr 2025 | 00:58:59 | |
In this episode of Women in CannaBusiness, we welcome Rebecca Allen‑Tapp, a decade‑long industry veteran who’s brought cultivation and extraction expertise to three continents. Rebecca’s journey—from receiving a cancer diagnosis and choosing medical cannabis over opioids, to building equipment solutions teams in the UK and now with Paralab Green in Portugal—is a testament to her passion and purpose. What You’ll Hear:
Whether you’re starting up, scaling operations, or expanding into new markets, Rebecca’s expertise will equip you with practical strategies and global perspective. Connect with Rebecca:
Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share! #WomenInCannabusiness #CannabisCultivation #ExtractionSolutions #MedicalCannabis #CannabisInnovation #CannabisEducation | |||
| Ashleen Aguilar: From Budtender, Marketer and Cannabis Enthusiast to Budtender Trainer, Podcast Host & Entrepreneur | 26 Dec 2024 | 00:45:17 | |
In the Season 1 Finale of the Women in Cannabusiness Podcast, we sit down with Ashleen Aguilar, a passionate cannabis educator and co-founder of Take Root Training, a company dedicated to revolutionizing budtender training. 🌿 Ashleen’s journey began in 2016 as a budtender in Washington State during the early days of legalization. She quickly noticed major knowledge gaps among her peers, sparking her mission to combat misinformation about cannabis and elevate education within the industry. Today, Ashleen is making waves as an entrepreneur, podcast host, and creator of engaging training solutions for budtenders and dispensaries. From developing an online training course to publishing cannabis-focused coloring books, her work is reshaping how dispensaries onboard and educate their teams. In this inspiring finale episode, we discuss:
Whether you’re a cannabis enthusiast, a budding entrepreneur, or someone in the dispensary space, Ashleen’s insights will leave you motivated and ready to grow. 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, whose work continues to drive meaningful change and innovation in the cannabis industry. Check Ispire out at getispire.com and follow them on Instagram: @getispire. Follow & Connect with Ashleen and Take Root Training:
🎧 Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and celebrate the Season 1 Finale of Women in Cannabusiness! Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey, and stay tuned for what’s to come in Season 2! #WomenInCannabusiness #BudtenderTraining #TakeRootTraining #CannaEducation #WomenInCannabis #CannaCommunity #PodcastFinale #GetIspire | |||
| Shayda Torabi: From Start-Up to Building One of The First Women-Owned & Operated Texas Hemp Brands | 17 Dec 2024 | 01:59:27 | |
In this powerful episode of the Women in Cannabusiness Podcast, we sit down with Shayda Torabi, Co-Founder and CEO of RESTART, Texas' premier hemp brand, and President of the Texas Hemp Coalition, to discuss her inspiring journey from corporate tech to becoming a pioneer in the Texas hemp space. 🌿 Shayda’s story begins with a life-altering car accident that left her with a pelvis injury and chronic pain. After discovering CBD as a solution for her healing, she channeled that experience into building a family-owned hemp business in one of the most conservative states in the nation. Throughout this conversation, Shayda shares:
This episode is packed with wisdom on perseverance, navigating conservative markets, and building a brand rooted in personal experience and purpose. Whether you’re a business owner, advocate, or consumer, Shayda’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when you combine passion, advocacy, and grit. Follow & Connect with Shayda:
🎧 Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for an inspiring conversation on entrepreneurship, advocacy, and overcoming challenges in the hemp industry. #WomenInCannabusiness #RESTARTCBD #TexasHempCoalition #WomenInCannabis #CannabisLeadership #Entrepreneurship #CannabisAdvocate #CannaWomen | |||