MJBizCon, the leading global cannabis business conference and tradeshow, featured various female leaders for their MJBizCon 2024 showing. Prominent guest and panel appearances included Dasheeda Dawson, Jamie Pearson, Jeanne Sullivan, Angela Cheng, Jessica Velazquez, Melanie Wentzel, and Dr. Rachel Knox. During the conference, these industry leaders discussed the future and challenges for women in the cannabis industry.
Women Entrepreneurs Honored at MJBizCon
MJBizDaily reported that a networking event titled “Empowering Women in Cannabis” was held during last week’s MJBizCon. The event featured women who have made significant strides and contributions to the world’s growing cannabis industry.
One of these noteworthy individuals was Dasheeda Dawson, a global cannabis advocate, award-winning Fortune 100 business strategist, and best-selling author of How to Succeed in the Cannabis Industry.
Another industry speaker was Jamie Pearson, a consultant and investor based in Billings, Montana. She founded and led the New Holland Group, a global consulting firm that helps clients achieve international business development.
Jeanne Sullivan, the chief investment officer of Arcview Ventures, was another enthusiastic speaker at the event. Forbes has described Sullivan as “one of the women VCs changing the world.” Her work advocating for girls and women in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) sectors has been honored by the New York Hall of Science.
Another featured guest was Angela Cheng, the global chief marketing officer of Sunderstorm and the owner of the cannabis edibles brand Kanha. Since launching in 2015, Kanha has entered key cannabis markets in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Thailand.
Dr. Rachel Knox also brought her expertise to the table as an endocannabinologist and policy expert who specializes in cannabinoid medicine, cannabis, and psychedelic health equity. Dr. Knox’s cannabis advocacy has included founding the Comprehensive Cannabis Health Equity Movement (CHEM) and serving as the president of its nonprofit, CHEM Allyance.
Female Panelists Speak on the Role of Women in Cannabis
To further honor the contributions of women leaders in marijuana, MJBizCon held a special Women’s Leadership Forum, as detailed in a separate article by MJBizDaily. At this forum, female entrepreneurs spoke on how they challenged existing stereotypes and made space for their success while offering advice to other women in the business and making predictions for its future.
One of the major issues discussed was uneven access to capital. Jeane Sullivan and Jessica Velazquez, the founders of Las Vegas-headquartered accounting firm Indiva Advisors, noted that entrepreneurs should have an exit strategy when raising funds.
“Folks looking for capital really don’t know their exit,” said Velazquez. “That’s probably where you need to start: Make sure you create a plan for yourself that allows you to get there.”
Another piece of advice for other women entrepreneurs was to understand and speak the language of finance. “You’ve got to be able to walk the talk on financial lingo,” Sullivan asserted. She also emphasized the importance of using attorneys and accountants who are familiar with the marijuana industry.
Women Making an Impact on the Global Cannabis Industry
MJBizCon 2024 demonstrated how women are leading the growth of the global cannabis industry. One panelist who remarked on this was Melanie Wentzel, the author of Cannabis Queens. She urged women attendees to become subject matter experts and pick up the confidence to explore new markets.
“In the States, you are part of the medical system when you are recommended as a patient, and then you are thrust into the retail system,” Wentzel stated. After expanding into Australian markets, her experiences have been different.
“There’s a lot of pressure on companies to connect with doctors,” Wentzel said, remarking on how Australian doctors certify medical marijuana patients and write prescriptions for medical marijuana.
With new global markets to explore, these business leaders showcased their dedication to expanding new pathways for women to work in and lead the cannabis industry.
