Women at the Roots: Building Power and Professional Leadership in Cannabis — From Minnesota to the Nation

When we look at the cannabis industry today, it’s clear: women have not just found a seat at the table, we’ve been building the table from the ground up.

Nationwide, women own around 22% of cannabis businesses, one of the highest ownership rates across any major industry. While these numbers remind us of the progress made, they also highlight how much potential remains. Women continue to rise as cultivators, dispensary owners, educators, policy shapers, healers, and executive leaders. We’re not here to follow trends, we’re here to set them.

Minnesota’s Movement: Built by Women

Minnesota tells an even richer story.Our state’s cannabis movement was built on the backbone of women-led activism, education, and entrepreneurship. Before legalization took shape, women were leading the charge: organizing, advocating, farming, creating community clinics, and pushing for policy that puts people before profit.

We have always been here — at the heart of the conversation.

From Collective Power to Professional Empowerment

The Minnesota Women’s Cannabis Collective (MNWCC) was born from this legacy of leadership.More than a network, we are a force for professional empowerment. Our mission is clear:To equip women with the tools, resources, and community support needed to not only participate in this emerging market, but to dominate the spaces we move within.

Whether it’s stepping into executive roles, expanding into ownership, shaping policy, or growing thought leadership, MNWCC is committed to amplifying women’s influence at every level of this industry. We believe that collective power drives individual success, and when women rise, our whole industry benefits.

As Minnesota’s cannabis market evolves, we have the opportunity to lead the nation by example, creating an inclusive, values-driven industry that prioritizes equity, healing, and true professional empowerment.