November 1, 2023 — Limington, Maine — The Women in Cannabis Study, a groundbreaking living history of women working in weed, has been honored by the prestigious Clio Cannabis Awards for its work toward changing the current narratives in the nascent industry. The study is a first-of-its-kind examination of the dynamic women in the cannabis space, revealing shared experiences of hope and inspiration despite significant barriers to success.
Clio Cannabis, a division of the storied Clio Awards, recognizes innovation and creative excellence in advertising, design, and communication. Judged by a jury of thought leaders and experts worldwide, the Clio Awards is the preeminent contest for visionaries in marketing and beyond.
The Clios bestowed a Bronze trophy in the advocacy category to the Women in Cannabis Study, celebrating the extraordinary effort to document, quantify, and illuminate the stories of hope and heartbreak happening in real time. The report was designed to spark crucial conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion, propelling the cannabis space toward a more equitable future.
“This award is not just a win for the study and recognition for the work that went into it,” said Jennifer Whetzel, founder and author of Women in Cannabis Study. “It’s a win for every woman in the cannabis industry striving to make a difference and recognizing our collective voices striving for equity. This research has unearthed the challenges and turned anecdotes into data. And while the data and stories were collected in 2019 and 2020, they unfortunately still ring true today. Now, it’s time to turn these insights into actions that foster inclusivity and equity.”
Storytelling was at the epicenter of the Women in Cannabis Study, giving a human element to the data.
“Every new industry begins with an even playing field,” says Windy Borman, producer and director of “Mary Janes: The Women of Weed.” Whetzel collaborated with the award-winning filmmaker to bring the data to life for the Women in Cannabis Study video series. “However, once money is involved, the powerful push out the marginalized communities. We’ve seen this in the film and tech industries, and cannabis is repeating the pattern. However, this time, we’ve documented women’s and non-binary people’s stories in their own words so we don’t forget.”
The Women in Cannabis Study quantifies the stories once shared in secrecy, shining a light on the deeply rooted misogyny that exists in cannabis.
“I’ve reported extensively on the issues facing women in cannabis, and witnessing Clio honor the Study shows that people do care,” said Rachelle Gordon, partner at the Women in Cannabis Study. “This acknowledgment should be seen as a sign of solidarity for all those marginalized, mistreated, and misunderstood in our industry.”
The recognition of the Study by Clio Cannabis reignites the need for systemic change, both within the nascent industry and the world at large.
“I hope this study renews the call to action for us to realize the power we hold, the changes we can affect, and the collective steps we can take towards making the cannabis industry a space where everyone thrives.”
To read the full report, visit www.WomeninCannabis.study.
A portion of donations to the Women in Cannabis Study will go to This is Jane Project, an organization that supports women and non-binary trauma survivors.
About the Study:
The Women in Cannabis Study is a mixed-methods research project aimed at documenting the stories of women working in the cannabis, CBD, and hemp industries to foster improved equity and inclusivity. The study offers a comprehensive, in-depth analysis on data from more than 1,500 Industry Insiders, shedding light on their cannabis use, personalities, sacrifices, and how they define success for themselves. Initiated due to a lack of existing data on the subject, the study also ensures that women are a vital part of the cannabis narrative. Serving as both a valuable resource about women in cannabis and a living history where women are seen and heard, the analysis presents compelling arguments for change.
