WASHINGTON – Despite consistent political challenges and a continued lack of industry equality, women in cannabis continue to be powerful advocates for progress, unity, and equity. In solidarity and recognition of these efforts, the Women Grow 2025 Leadership Summit invites women and their allies to unite in shaping the cannabis industry’s future. Taking place February 17–18 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, the Summit provides a timely opportunity to champion cannabis reform, women’s healthcare rights, and the continued fight for equity across the industry.
This year’s Summit will feature discussions about women’s safe access to cannabis as medicine and the future globalization of the plant. Also included will be infused culinary showcases and endless networking opportunities, including a job fair. Three-time Olympic gold medalist and six-time WNBA all-star Brittney Griner will deliver the keynote address, “Cultivating Change: Empowering Women through Personal Leadership.”
With a stacked and purpose-driven agenda and the theme of “Empowering Women, Leading Change,” the 2025 leadership summit promises to be a catalyst for meaningful action, especially for those in newer East Coast markets who are still finding their feet.
Women are leading industry evolution
“When I first came into this industry, I didn’t know anything,” said Women Grow Chief Executive Officer Chanda Macias, PhD, an expert in cellular and molecular biology. “I went to a Women Grow event, and they taught me everything. They taught me not only about the plant itself, but also about the business of the plant: what [point-of-sale] systems to use, how to get banking, how to recruit patients, and how to really market my business. These women were so amazing, and they really took me under their wing. I made the decision right then and there that I would give back as soon as I could.”
And give back she did. Macias became a market leader in Washington D.C. and Maryland in 2017, eventually helping with legalization efforts in Ohio. In 2018, she was chosen to become chairwoman of the Women Grow board, and in 2019, she was named CEO.
“The reason I give back to our community is because I believe in this platform of education, mentorship, and empowerment,” Macias said. “We connect and inspire each other to do so much more than we can do alone. The energy that comes from this environment is so powerful, it completely changes your trajectory. It inspires you to go out and do more. It’s almost like a spiritual experience for me. I’ve never come close to this type of sisterhood where women in business really care about each other.”
The Women Grow Summit directly reflects that sentiment. The summit is designed to be a space where women come together, share, educate, and help each other through the often-grueling process of creating success in the cannabis industry.
“This year’s theme was inspired by the recognition that women are key agents of change, particularly as the industry faces challenges to legalization and healthcare access,” Macias said. “It reflects a commitment to providing women with the tools, resources, and platforms they need to lead effectively, advocate for equity, and shape the future of cannabis. It also honors the resilience and strength of women leaders, from entrepreneurs to advocates like Brittney Griner, who serve as powerful examples of personal and collective leadership.”
Attendees will find a program of tailored tracks including Business of Cannabis, Cannabis en español, and Cooking with Cannabis. Keynotes from Griner and Ricky Williams will anchor the event in resilience and advocacy, and Governor Wes Moore will be recognized for his contributions to advancing equity in cannabis policy.
“There’s a lot of struggle in this industry, but what emerges from shared struggle is resilience, and that’s what we need now more than ever: to understand that we all go through struggles, but we can still win,” Macias said. “I think about the person who probably faced the most adverse struggle, Brittney Griner. To go from a Russian prison to coming back and winning a gold medal for our country — that is true inspiration. If you can come back from that, reclaim your life and rebuild … that’s a message women need to know, especially with our changing administration and the changing landscape of our industry. We need inspiration, and we need it from each other.”
Business, globalization, and cooking
Beyond being a hub for inspiration and empowerment by numbers, the summit also will provide targeted programming to tackle well-known barriers like funding, scaling, and navigating regulations. Sessions in the Business of Cannabis track will focus on practical solutions for budding and existing entrepreneurs, while networking opportunities aim to connect attendees with mentors, investors, and peers.
“The goal of the summit is to connect women in the industry, so we’ve got programming that is specifically tailored to women business owners — timely, relevant, and content-driven,” Macias said. “These are things that business owners can use regardless of what phase they’re in.”
Sessions led by experts including Whitney Economics’ Beau Whitney will explore market growth and job creation, while the Cooking with Cannabis track will highlight Michelin Star and James Beard-recognized chefs who have leveraged the plant’s role in wellness and gastronomy.
“This is an opportunity for new folks in the industry to meet their mentors,” Macias said. “I’ve been on the phone with women who are having a wide variety of issues, and I’ve been blessed to be able to serve as a guide or mentor in the same way that women have guided and mentored me. I’m just here to pay them back and to pay forward what’s been done for me.”
The Women Grow Leadership Summit is more than just another industry gathering. It’s a movement. It’s a call to advocate for comprehensive cannabis legalization, push for meaningful policy reform, and ensure women’s voices are central to the national conversation. From political reform and entrepreneurship to career development and innovation, the event’s organizers vow to equip attendees with the tools and connections needed to make a lasting impact.
“It all boils down to potential: There are potential partners in that room, potential funding resources, potential vendors, potential customers,” Macias said. “It’s just a question of ‘what does that look like for you?’ What are your needs and goals, and how can we help you achieve them?”
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the cannabis space, the 2025 Women Grow Leadership Summit is an opportunity to join a passionate community of leaders, entrepreneurs, and advocates throughout the industry.
“I think the conference is an effort to understand how we can become more funded, and how we can build and scale through different financial investments,” Macias said. “We want to provide attendees with the lessons that have been learned by others so we can actually claim our rightful place in cannabis.
“Women have been underfunded for too long,” she added. “It’s time to offer solutions, work with each other, and plant those seeds so we can empower each other. I want to be able to say that the women in the room who are supporting each other are the same women being able to contribute to the overall health of a woman’s cannabis company.”
