The Women Grow Summit 2025 isn’t just a celebration of cannabis entrepreneurship. It’s a movement. A declaration that the future of the cannabis industry must be led by a more diverse, more inclusive set of voices. It kicked off with a stunning display of power and passion, underscoring a mission that’s grown far beyond the traditional scope of business—it’s now a political and social force in its own right.
The summit’s opening session, which set the tone for an event brimming with ambition, was as inspiring as it was necessary. With keynote speeches from trailblazing industry leaders like Wanda James, Leah Heise, and Dr. Chanda Macias, the conversation was firmly centered on equity, entrepreneurship, and leadership. As the cannabis industry rapidly expands, women—especially women of color—are being left behind in the race to stake a claim in this booming market. Women Grow, which has been an instrumental voice in shifting the tides, is more relevant now than ever.
Leah Heise, the former CEO of Women Grow, spoke directly to the challenges that continue to persist for women and minority entrepreneurs in cannabis. “A decade ago, we set out to create a community of support, mentorship, and advocacy for women in this business,” Heise said. “Now, that mission is even more urgent as we face financial hurdles, regulatory labyrinths, and an ongoing fight for greater representation in the boardroom.”
But amid the challenges, the summit’s message is clear: The fight for equity is unstoppable. One of the loudest calls for change came from none other than Maryland’s own Governor Wes Moore, who was awarded the Women Grow Social Impact Award for his bold leadership in cannabis reform. Moore has spearheaded groundbreaking legislation that not only expunged over 175,000 cannabis-related charges but also carved out opportunities for minority entrepreneurs to gain a foothold in an industry that has historically been dominated by white men.
Speaking at the summit, Moore explained his approach: “Creating equitable opportunities in the cannabis industry isn’t just about business—it’s about justice. It’s about fixing the wrongs of the past while building a more inclusive future.” Under Moore’s leadership, Maryland has funneled more than $2.1 million into supporting cannabis licensees and launched initiatives like the CEO Accelerator and the Cannabis Business Masterclass series. These programs aren’t just business incubators—they’re lifelines for entrepreneurs looking to break into a multi-billion dollar industry.
The Governor’s words hit hard in a space where systemic barriers are all too real. And it’s not just about policy; it’s about real people, real families, and communities that have been disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs. Moore’s administration is now setting the stage for what a truly inclusive cannabis industry can look like—a blueprint for other states to follow.
Yet, as much as this summit was a celebration of progress, it was also a stark reminder of the work still to be done. Dr. Chanda Macias, the current CEO of Women Grow, drove this point home with a sobering statistic: “Less than 3% of all cannabis financing goes to women-owned businesses. That is unacceptable.” It’s a number that underscores the long road ahead, but it’s also a call to arms for investors, policymakers, and activists to rally behind the women who are shaping this industry from the ground up.
The summit isn’t just about conversation—it’s about action. Attendees are diving into a series of workshops, networking sessions, and fireside chats with some of the industry’s most innovative voices, pushing for systemic change on every level. The focus isn’t just on growing businesses, but also on cultivating a new culture—one where women and minority entrepreneurs aren’t an afterthought but the driving force behind the industry’s evolution.
As the summit continues, the energy in the room is palpable. From the start-up hopefuls to the seasoned industry veterans, the air is thick with anticipation. There’s a sense that the cannabis landscape is about to be radically reshaped, and this time, women and marginalized communities will be at the forefront.
And as Dr. Macias aptly puts it: “We’re not just here to be heard. We’re here to be valued. The time for change is now.”
If the Women Grow Summit 2025 is any indication, the future of cannabis is in good hands. The question is: Will the rest of the industry be ready to meet the challenge?
Learn more about Women Grow at womengrow.com.
For more updates on cannabis reform, social equity, and women in entrepreneurship, stay tuned.
