In this episode, Ali Bianco, Founder & CEO of Pinks Products, joins The Women in CannaBusiness Podcast to share how she built New York’s first luxury canna-couture brand. From rose-petal prerolls to empowering women in business, Ali discusses authenticity, community, and redefining femininity in the cannabis industry.

In this inspiring episode of The Women in CannaBusiness Podcast, host Olivia Castaldy sits down with Liliana (Lili) Hollandt, founder and owner of Lady L Cannabis, a woman-led dispensary on Jersey City’s West Side. An immigrant from Bulgaria and long-time Jersey City resident, Lili brings over 20 years of advertising, project management, and retail experience to New Jersey’s legal market. Her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and purpose — proving that representation, mentorship, and community can transform an emerging industry. Lili opens up about her journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, the challenges of building a business in a new market, and the importance of creating an inclusive, welcoming space for women and local residents. She shares how her deep-rooted passion for people and education continues to shape Lady L Cannabis into more than a dispensary — it’s a community hub focused on empowerment, connection, and authenticity.   00:00 — Introduction to Lady L Dispensary 00:31 — Lili’s Journey to Cannabis Entrepreneurship 04:44 — The Importance of Community and Connection 07:38 — Passion for the Plant and Industry 12:44 — Advice for Women in Cannabis 17:28 — The Role of Women in Cannabis 21:08 — Education and Innovation in Cannabis 26:46 — Family Perspectives on Cannabis 28:22 — Navigating Family Dynamics and Cannabis Acceptance 31:53 — Overcoming Gender Bias in the Cannabis Industry 39:13 — Building Resilience and Confidence as a Woman Entrepreneur 45:28 — Balancing Work and Family Life in the Cannabis Sector   Liliana (Lili) Hollandt is the founder and owner of Lady L Cannabis, a woman-led dispensary located on Jersey City’s West Side. Born in Bulgaria and now a proud Jersey City local, Lili combines two decades of expertise in advertising, retail, and project management to redefine what community-driven cannabis retail looks like. Her mission centers on education, empowerment, and local impact — ensuring Lady L Cannabis serves as a safe, inclusive space where everyone feels welcome to learn, grow, and connect. - Follow Lady L Cannabis Jersey City on Instagram: ⁠@ladyljersetcity⁠ Lady L's Website: ⁠ladyljerseycity.com⁠ - This episode is brought to you by our Season 4 Gold Sponsor, ⁠Lucky Elk Hemp⁠. Lucky Elk Hemp cultivates craft-grown, small-batch hemp products from the Pacific Northwest — made with care, integrity, and a commitment to community. Visit⁠ luckyelk.com⁠ to learn more and use WiCB15 at checkout for 15% off your order. - Follow us on Instagram⁠ @womenincannabusiness⁠ for more stories celebrating women leading with purpose in the plant-based industry.

Heather Steinberg, Patient Care Specialist at Jewish Sauce Boss, opens up about her journey from healthcare to holistic healing through cannabis. After multiple surgeries and years of chronic pain, Heather found relief and purpose as both a medical marijuana patient and advocate. In this powerful episode, she shares how cannabis changed her life, why breaking stigma matters, and how she’s now helping others access safe, compassionate care.

In this episode of The Women in CannaBusiness Podcast, host Olivia Castaldy sits down with Parisa Mansouri-Rad, better known as Marijuana Momma, the visionary co-founder of Blunt Brunch, a national event series and women’s empowerment platform changing the way women connect, collaborate, and lead in cannabis.

CMO & Co-Founder of EventHi and Co-Founder of Blunt Brunch, Adelia Fakhri, shares how cannabis events, women-centered communities, and authentic leadership move the industry forward. We cover her leap from corporate, scaling EventHi, the rise of Blunt Brunch, and how empathy + operations create durable brands.

For the Season 3 finale of Women in CannaBusiness, we’re closing with an inspiring conversation with Nicole Kennebeck (@nicnugget) — a veteran who’s been shaping cannabis for over 15 years. Nicole started her career in the early medical days, where she learned firsthand what it meant to operate in an emerging, often uncertain market. From those beginnings, she’s grown into a trusted leader who has built: Inclusive communication strategies that give brands a voice rooted in authenticity. SOPs for retail + marketing programs that ensure consistency, compliance, and scalability. Team cultures centered around values, integrity, and community connection. Now at Lion Labs Michigan, Nicole continues to invest in herself and her work — proving that when you bet on your own growth, the ROI always comes back tenfold. Her story is a reminder that self-investment leads to resilience, opportunity, and a career built on purpose. In this episode, Nicole shares: What it was like starting out in cannabis during the early medical era. How she’s stayed true to her values while navigating 15 years of industry change. Why self-investment is the most important investment you can make. How connection and shared experiences (yes, even passing a joint) can build common ground and community. Nicole’s journey reflects what Women in CannaBusiness is all about: women shaping this industry through authenticity, perseverance, and leadership. ✨ Connect with Nicole: Instagram: @nicnugget Lion Labs Michigan: lionlabsmichigan.com Season 3 of Women in CannaBusiness is proudly sponsored by OCM Digital Marketing.

What happens when a journalist with a nose for truth meets a cannabis industry full of complex regulations, stories, and stigma? You get Stella Morrison—award-winning journalist turned content marketing expert—who now leads the charge in shaping ethical, strategic, and effective cannabis marketing. In this episode, Stella shares how her early days in local journalism laid the groundwork for her no-BS approach to SEO and content strategy. We explore how she transitioned from newspapers to managing multi-brand product launches, and ultimately to founding CannaContent, an award-winning, woman- and LGBTQ+ owned digital marketing firm focused exclusively on the cannabis space. Whether you're a founder, content creator, or marketer in the space, Stella’s insights will leave you with practical tips and inspiration. 🔗 Follow CannaContent: Website: https://www.cannacontent.co/ Instagram: @cannacontent LinkedIn: CannaContent on LinkedIn ✨ Season 3 of The Women in CannaBusiness podcast is proudly sponsored by OCM Digital Marketing, helping passion-driven brands and founders thrive through data-driven strategy, authentic storytelling, and full-service support.

In this episode of Women in CannaBusiness, we sit down with Krystall Hamlett-Lovett, the CEO and Co-Founder of Juice Joint. With a background in microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, Krystall brings a rare blend of science and entrepreneurship to the cannabis space. A Johns Hopkins alum, Krystall channeled her expertise into crafting Juice Joint’s unique formulations, combining carefully extracted cannabinoids with fresh juice blends designed for wellness and enjoyment. Her scientific training not only shaped the extraction methods but also guided the vision behind building a product rooted in both integrity and innovation. We talk about her path from academia and pharmaceuticals to becoming a cannabis entrepreneur, how she leveraged her scientific foundation to carve out a niche in infused beverages, and the importance of women scientists in shaping the future of this industry. This conversation is full of insights for anyone curious about blending science with plant-based entrepreneurship, and what it takes to bring innovation to an emerging market.   Follow Krystal & Juice Joint 🌐 Website: www.ilovejuicejoint.com/ 📸 Instagram: @ilovejuicejoint|   Season 3 Sponsor: This season of Women in CannaBusiness is proudly sponsored by OCM Digital Marketing, helping cannabis and passion driven brands grow with strategy, ads, and storytelling.

Season 3, Episode 5 of The Women in CannaBusiness Podcast features Karen Osovsky, a powerhouse in Oregon’s cannabis industry and beyond. Karen began her journey in the legacy market in 2011, later transitioning into Oregon’s recreational cannabis market in 2016, where she built Next Generation Nurseries—a farm and clone nursery dedicated to cultivating cannabis from seed to harvest. Her reputation as a reliable supplier grew, and in 2020 she founded Farmers First, a wholesale and distribution company known for solving supply chain challenges while protecting and empowering Oregon farmers. Today, Karen leads Osovsky Cannabis Consulting, where she uses her hands-on experience to guide businesses through the complexities of the cannabis landscape with honesty, transparency, and hard-earned wisdom. She also serves as VP of Operations for Emunio Logistics, bringing her deep West Coast expertise to emerging East Coast markets like New Jersey. With a Master’s degree from the University of Oregon and a career rooted in integrity, Karen offers a candid look at the challenges and opportunities facing cannabis operators today. From building farms and distribution networks to driving regulatory change, her story is one of resilience, innovation, and relentless advocacy for farmers and small businesses. In this episode, Karen shares the candid lessons she’s learned, the importance of building authentic relationships, and how honesty and resilience have shaped her success. 🔗 Connect with Karen: Osovsky Cannabis Consulting Website Osovsky Consulting Instagram Farmer’s First Website Farmer’s First Instagram Karen’s LinkedIn:  This episode is proudly sponsored by OCM Digital Marketing – a full-service agency dedicated to passion-driven brands and businesses, specializing in digital marketing, social media, and paid advertising. Learn more at ocmdigitalmarketing.com.

In this episode of The Women in CannaBusiness podcast, we sit down with Anna Kaplan, founder and CEO of SugarTop Buddery and SugarTop Distribution, to explore how she blends art, music, and community into every facet of her work in the cannabis industry. Anna shares her journey from launching SugarTop Buddery with her brother in 2014 to leading a diverse portfolio of brands through SugarTop Distribution. She discusses her mission to foster equity in cannabis by uplifting small businesses, creating collaborative opportunities, and supporting underrepresented voices in the industry. With nearly a decade of experience, Anna has held influential leadership roles, including serving on the Board of Directors for the Oregon Cannabis Association, leading the nonprofit Women Leaders in Cannabis, and founding the Eugene chapter of Tokeativity. We talk about the evolution of Oregon’s cannabis market, the importance of building a brand rooted in culture and community, and how creative collaboration can drive both social change and business success. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, advocate, or industry veteran, Anna’s story offers a powerful reminder that cannabis is more than a product — it’s a movement. Follow Anna & SugarTop: Instagram: @sugartop_buddery | @sugartop_distribution Website: https://sugartopbuddery.com/ - This season of The Women in CannaBusiness podcast is proudly sponsored by OCM Digital Marketing, helping cannabis and CPG brands grow through strategic social media, paid advertising, and creative content.

In Season 3, Episode 3 of the Women in Cannabusiness Podcast, we sit down with Rebecca Maestas Sincere, Vice President of Marketing at Bud & Mary’s. With nearly two decades of experience in the cannabis industry, Rebecca has been a driving force behind some of the most recognizable brands in the space. From her early days making infused products during Colorado’s medical cannabis era to leading brand development and marketing at companies like Dixie Brands, LivWell Enlightened Health, The Clear, and now Bud & Mary’s, Rebecca’s career is a testament to passion, innovation, and resilience. We discuss her journey with cannabis that began at 13, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and how she continues to shape the future of cannabis branding and culture. Rebecca also shares her passion for blending cannabis and music, creating iconic collaborations with artists like Snoop Dogg, Cypress Hill, and Kymani Marley.   🎧 Tune in now to hear Rebecca’s story and her vision for building lasting cannabis legacies.   This episode is sponsored by OCM Digital Marketing, a trusted partner for cannabis brands and small businesses seeking strategic, compliance-friendly marketing that delivers results.   Social Links to Connect with Rebecca: Rebecca’s LinkedIn Rebecca’s Instagram @queencannabinoid Budmary.com

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.

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: 🔗 Women Grow 📸 @drchanda_macias 📸 @drchandaqueenzulu2020 💼 LinkedIn - Dr. Chanda 📍 @womengrow 📍 @nationalholisticdc

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: The difference between a labor of love and a labor of service — and how she’s teaching her daughter to lead with both Her advice to other women navigating the highs and lows of the industry What it means to build a legacy business rooted in values Why taking care of yourself as a woman in leadership is non-negotiable 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.

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: How she transitioned from education to cannabis entrepreneurship Navigating early California legalization as a founding team member Her experience working in impact roles like Chief Impact Officer at Ispire Why advocacy isn’t optional in this space—and how she shows up for others Speaking out against abuse, advocating for equity, and being a voice for change 🎧 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.

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: Using RSO during cancer treatment and how it changed her mindset Her shift from the corporate world to cannabis entrepreneurship Systems, operations, and cash flow strategies that fuel long-term success The challenge of dispensaries not paying cultivators on time Teaching cannabis business courses at a university level Balancing work and family while co-owning a business with her husband How she approaches parenting and educating her kids about cannabis 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.oregonWebsite: www.alibi.coLinkedIn: Marianne Cursetjee This season is sponsored by OCM Digital Marketing, empowering women-led brands in cannabis through strategy-first marketing and ads.

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: Growing up in a border town and facing the stigma of cannabis in her community The inspiration behind BACHAZ and her mission to serve and uplift her culture Her journey from teen mom to Latina entrepreneur in the cannabis space How she’s pushing for more opportunities for women and minorities in cannabis Her hard-earned wisdom for other women looking to break into the industry 🎧 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: Instagram: @bachazgummies LinkedIn: Beatrice Carranza Facebook: Bachaz Website: www.bachaz.com A huge thank you to OCM Digital Marketing, our sponsor for Season 2, for supporting the Women in CannaBusiness Podcast!

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.

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.

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: Ashleen’s journey from budtender to marketer to co-founder. The challenges of building a brand focused on education and advocacy. Why budtender training is essential to the future of cannabis retail. 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: Website: TakeRootTraining.com Email: hello@takeroottraining.com Instagram: @takeroottraining 🎧 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