On Saturday, September 13, 2025, leaders from across Maryland’s legal market will gather at Blackwall Hitch in Annapolis for a special occasion: The Celebration of Women in Cannabis Brunch. Presented by women-owned, minority-led brand Mother Exotics and top cultivation company SunMed Growers, the event will honor trailblazing women shaping the future of Maryland’s cannabis industry.

Spotlight on Women Leaders

This year’s honorees include:

  • Lyndsey Odachowski, Co-owner and General Manager of Positive Energy dispensary.
  • Hope Wiseman, CEO of Mary & Main, recognized as the first and youngest Black woman to open a dispensary in Maryland.
  • Jennifer Miller, Owner and General Manager of Sweet Buds, a woman-owned and operated dispensary.

Staff from the Maryland Office of Social Equity will also participate, underscoring the brunch’s focus on inclusion, mentorship, and sustainable pathways for women in leadership.

Building Community and Legacy

“The Celebration is just a reminder to all the women paving the way in the industry that they are loved, appreciated, and needed,” said Sakara Barnes, Founder of Mother Exotics. “With the support of these women I was able to launch my brand successfully. We need mentorship and women to remain in these positions to evolve the industry and help bring more women along the way.”

Brianna Charlton, Wholesale Director at SunMed Growers and co-organizer of the brunch, echoed this sentiment: “As women in cannabis, we lift each other up and create space for new voices to shine. At SunMed, we’re honored to be part of this community and to celebrate the impact women are making across Maryland.”

A Cultural Touchpoint

The brunch is designed as more than a networking event—it’s a cultural touchpoint. By highlighting excellence and resilience, The Celebration of Women in Cannabis amplifies women’s narratives while creating intentional spaces for connection, recognition, and legacy-building in a rapidly evolving industry.

Attendance is reserved for cannabis industry professionals and media. Interested guests can RSVP here.

About Mother Exotics

Founded in 2022 by Sakara Barnes and based in California, Mother Exotics is a vertically integrated cannabis company known for potent genetics, sustainability, and cultural authenticity. The brand has expanded into Maryland, where its premium strains are now available in 34 retail stores statewide.

About SunMed Growers

Based in Warwick, Maryland, SunMed Growers is a licensed cultivator and processor known for producing high-quality, sun-grown cannabis at scale. With cGMP and cGAP certifications, SunMed sets benchmarks in sustainability and quality, partnering with national brands including Cookies, AIRO, Keef, Gentlemen Smugglers, Belushi’s Farm, and Mother Exotics.