The Women in CannaBusiness Podcast

In this episode of Women in CannaBusiness, we sit down with Krystall Hamlett-Lovett, the CEO and Co-Founder of Juice Joint. With a background in microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, Krystall brings a rare blend of science and entrepreneurship to the cannabis space. A Johns Hopkins alum, Krystall channeled her expertise into crafting Juice Joint’s unique formulations...

Season 3, Episode 5 of The Women in CannaBusiness Podcast features Karen Osovsky, a powerhouse in Oregon’s cannabis industry and beyond. Karen began her journey in the legacy market in 2011, later transitioning into Oregon’s recreational cannabis market in 2016, where she built Next Generation Nurseries—a farm and clone nursery dedicated to cultivating cannabis from seed to harvest. Her reputation...

In this episode of The Women in CannaBusiness podcast, we sit down with Anna Kaplan, founder and CEO of SugarTop Buddery and SugarTop Distribution, to explore how she blends art, music, and community into every facet of her work in the cannabis industry. Anna shares her journey from launching SugarTop Buddery with her brother in 2014 to leading a diverse portfolio of brands through SugarTop Distri...

In Season 3, Episode 3 of the Women in Cannabusiness Podcast, we sit down with Rebecca Maestas Sincere, Vice President of Marketing at Bud & Mary’s. With nearly two decades of experience in the cannabis industry, Rebecca has been a driving force behind some of the most recognizable brands in the space. From her early days making infused products during Colorado’s medical cannabis era to leadin...

In this episode of The Women in CannaBusiness Podcast, host Olivia Castaldy sits down with Kelly Graffin, also known as Short & Stoned,  a bold voice on social media in cannabis education, content creation, and disability inclusion. Kelly shares her powerful story as a former licensed cannabis manufacturer in Colorado, where she became one of the state’s youngest MIP (Marijuana-Infused Product...

We’re back for Season 3 — and we’re kicking it off with a powerhouse. Dr. Chanda Macias, Chairwoman and CEO of Women Grow and CEO of National Holistic Healing Center, joins us to talk about leading with purpose, pushing policy forward, and staying grounded through the chaos of the cannabis industry. In this episode, Dr. Chanda shares how she transitioned from cancer research to cannabis reform, ho...

Christina Betancourt Johnson is the founder and CEO of Standard Wellness Maryland — the first African American and Latina majority-owned, vertically integrated cannabis company in the U.S. With a background in executive leadership, nonprofit fundraising, and real estate, Christina entered the cannabis industry with both purpose and strategy, committed to building a brand rooted in service, equity,...

In this week’s episode of Women in CannaBusiness, we sit down with Luna Stower—one of the most well-known voices in the cannabis industry, recognized for her tireless work in advocacy, brand building, and creating space for women and equity in a still-male-dominated space. From classroom teacher to becoming employee #1 at companies like Jetty Extracts and Ispire, Luna shares how a car accident and...

In this episode, we sit down with Marianne Cursetjee, Co-Founder and CEO of Alibi Cannabis, a premium cannabis brand based in Oregon known for consistent, top-shelf flower and a systems-first approach to business growth. Marianne shares how her journey into the cannabis industry began during her own battle with cancer. After discovering the plant’s therapeutic value firsthand while undergoing chem...

In this episode of Women in CannaBusiness, we’re joined by Beatrice Carranza, the founder of BACHAZ, a Latina-owned cannabis brand bringing the bold, authentic flavors of Mexican culture to the cannabis industry. Beatrice’s journey from growing up as a teen mom in a border town to building a successful cannabis brand through the Social Equity Program is one of resilience, hard work, and passion. H...

In this episode of Women in CannaBusiness, we sit down with Wu Russell, a trailblazing content creator who left Indonesia for the U.S. in 2019 to pursue her passion for storytelling—and ultimately found her calling in cannabis. Wu’s journey from selling Coca‑Cola on the streets of Jakarta to collaborating with global brands like Apple, and now shaping cannabis culture online, is a testament to gri...

In this episode of Women in CannaBusiness, we welcome Rebecca Allen‑Tapp, a decade‑long industry veteran who’s brought cultivation and extraction expertise to three continents. Rebecca’s journey—from receiving a cancer diagnosis and choosing medical cannabis over opioids, to building equipment solutions teams in the UK and now with Paralab Green in Portugal—is a testament to her passion and purpos...

In the Season 1 Finale of the Women in Cannabusiness Podcast, we sit down with Ashleen Aguilar, a passionate cannabis educator and co-founder of Take Root Training, a company dedicated to revolutionizing budtender training. 🌿 Ashleen’s journey began in 2016 as a budtender in Washington State during the early days of legalization. She quickly noticed major knowledge gaps among her peers, sparking...

In this powerful episode of the Women in Cannabusiness Podcast, we sit down with Shayda Torabi, Co-Founder and CEO of RESTART, Texas' premier hemp brand, and President of the Texas Hemp Coalition, to discuss her inspiring journey from corporate tech to becoming a pioneer in the Texas hemp space. 🌿 Shayda’s story begins with a life-altering car accident that left her with a pelvis injury and chron...

In this episode of the Women in Cannabusiness Podcast, we sit down with Shannon Donnelly, a true pioneer and advocate for inclusivity in the cannabis industry. Shannon’s journey began in 2007 when she discovered the benefits of CBD for managing depression, menstrual cramps, and mental health challenges. From those early days as a budtender during the medical cannabis boom in Colorado, Shannon has...

In this episode of the Women in Cannabusiness Podcast, we’re joined by Jocelyn Sheltraw, Co-Founder and CEO of Budist, the first professional review platform for cannabis products and brands. 🌿 With a background in mobile apps and over 7 years of experience in cannabis, Jocelyn’s journey is a testament to innovation, perseverance, and carving a unique path in a growing industry. Jocelyn shares ho...

  In this episode of the Women in Cannabusiness Podcast, we’re joined by Lisa Buffo, founder of the Cannabis Marketing Association (CMA) and a trailblazer in the cannabis industry. Lisa’s journey is one of passion, resilience, and determination as she navigated the early days of legalization in Colorado to build a community that empowers marketers in the cannabis space. Lisa shares how she moved t...

In this empowering episode of The Women in Cannabusiness, we sit down with Kristin McFarland, Founder & CEO of The Source Marketing Group, a cannabis and craft beer marketing technology company based in Denver, Colorado. Kristin shares her inspiring journey from leading marketing efforts for Fortune 200 companies to blazing her own trail as an entrepreneur in the cannabis industry. We dive dee...

In this episode of Women in Cannabusiness, we’re joined by the visionary Elizabeth Becker, founder of HiBnb @experiencehibnb, a groundbreaking platform connecting cannabis enthusiasts with cannabis-friendly accommodations, classes, and experiences around the world. Elizabeth's journey is a testament to resilience and innovation, as she shifted from a 25-year career in film and television to a new...

In this vibrant episode of The Women in CannaBusiness podcast, we join powerhouse duo Doreen Sullivan and JM Balbuena as they recount their summer 2024 "Bong Voyage" tour. Together, they traveled the West Coast, stopping at smoke shops, dispensaries, and even the Montana State Fair, to amplify awareness around cannabis advocacy, normalization, and their journeys as trailblazers in the industry. Do...

  In this episode of Women in Cannabusiness, we’re joined by the inspiring Ashley Manta, known as the Cannasexual®. Ashley is a certified sexologist, author, and coach who’s pioneering a new approach to sexual wellness by combining cannabis with intimacy to foster deeper connections and pleasure. Ashley’s journey is filled with powerful moments of transformation. Growing up in a conservative town,...

In this exciting episode of the Women in Cannabusiness podcast, we sit down with the incredible Charlotte Welch, a true innovator who transitioned from styling for New York Fashion Week (NYFW) to creating a successful cannabis accessory brand. 🌿✨ Charlotte’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. After years in the fashion industry, working with top designers and bringing her eye for detail to N...

In this remarkable episode of Women in CannaBusiness, we welcome the legendary Nikki Lastreto, a true pioneer whose life is a tapestry of adventure, spirituality, and cannabis advocacy. Born and raised in San Francisco, Nikki is a true flower child. Her life since then has been nothing short of extraordinary. After traveling the world extensively—including spending years living in India—Nikki and...

In this premiere episode, host Olivia Castaldy shares her compelling story, from growing up in the South under the influence of D.A.R.E. and witnessing the opioid crisis in the Mid-Atlantic, to navigating barriers and breaking into the cannabis industry. Olivia reflects on her hardships growing up in a rural area and handling depression at an early age, where her passion for cannabis and the idea...