Is womens health the key to reviving the cannabis industry?

Many U.S.states have embraced medical cannabis as a treatment for various ailments, yet women’s health issues remain largely overlooked as qualifying conditions by many MMJ programs.

While ailments such as cancer, epilepsy and chronic pain are commonly recognized in state MMJ laws, conditions that disproportionately affect women – such as endometriosis, severe menstrual pain and ovarian cysts – are often excluded. ADVERTISEMENT But in an industry that’s struggling to right itself, Women Grow CEO Chanda Macias believes focusing on women’s health issues is an opportunity for marijuana businesses to regain their footing.

“Our needs are not being met through cannabis-based medicine – it’s very alarming,” Macias said.“We’re starting to see adult-use programs plateau and medical markets sink, but no one is tapping into women’s unmet needs in cannabis.” Turning focus to women’s health Female health issues will be part of the 2025 focus for Women Grow, a Washington, D.C.-based organization whose goal is to empower women in the cannabis industry by providing networking opportunities, mentoring and business support.

The group is hosting the Women Grow Leadership Summit on Feb.17-18 at the Gaylord Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.

Husband-and-wife team Guy Rocourt and Anea Bogue saw an opportunity to address women’s menopause symptoms through their newly formed wellness company, Clea Midlife, which carries the tagline “Welcome to Your Menomorphosis” for its hemp-derived cannabinoid products.“While some might see menopause as a ‘niche’ topic, 51% of the population will experience it – which makes it anything but,” said Rocourt, a former CEO of California-based infused products maker Papa & Barkley.

The couple created all-natural products that relieve symptoms associated with menopause, such as insomnia, brain fog and focus, joint pain, skin hydra...