Welcome to The Outlaw Report’s Q&A series, focused on the cannabis landscape of the Mid-Atlantic. Our series aims to shine a spotlight on the trailblazers and experts who are shaping the local cannabis industry. Through their first-hand experience and insights, we explore the successes, challenges and stories of businesses and individuals at the forefront of cannabis policy, business and innovation in the region.
We chatted with Dr. Chanda Macias, CEO of Women Grow, the premier national organization dedicated to empowering women.
Women Grow was founded on the belief that women should have the resources, education, and opportunities needed to thrive as business leaders, advocates and entrepreneurs in cannabis. Through mentorship, networking, and policy advocacy, the organization ensures that women are not just participants in this industry but leaders who drive meaningful change.
How did you originally enter the cannabis industry?
My journey into cannabis started with a deep passion for science and healthcare. I earned my Ph.D. in cellular biology and focused on researching how cannabis could be used medicinally to help patients with serious conditions. That passion led me to become an entrepreneur in the space: owning and operating National Holistic Healing Center, one of the first medical cannabis dispensaries in Washington, D.C.
How long have you now been involved and in what capacities?
Over the past two decades, I’ve worked at the intersection of science, advocacy, and business, educating both patients and policymakers while also expanding my footprint in the industry. In addition to leading Women Grow, I’ve served as the Vice Chair of the National Cannabis Roundtable, Board Member for the Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA) and continue to advocate for equity in cannabis policy, patient access, and economic empowerment for women and people of color in this space.
Please describe the ethos of Women Grow. Why is an organization like Women Grow more important than ever at this moment?
Women Grow exists to lift as we climb. We are a community built on the fundamental belief that women deserve equal access to opportunity in cannabis, whether it is securing funding, owning a business, or shaping industry policy.
Right now, Women Grow’s mission is more critical than ever. Women have fewer rights today than we did just 10 years ago. The rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives is happening across industries, while women in cannabis are struggling to access capital, secure leadership roles, and navigate an increasingly competitive and challenging market.
On top of that, we see attacks on women’s leadership and autonomy, not just in cannabis but across healthcare, politics and finance. Women Grow is here to stay, we will not be silenced. We will continue advocating for women’s rights, pushing for equitable policies, and ensuring that women in this industry have the tools, resources, and networks they need to succeed.
You recently returned to the Women Grow Leadership Summit after a six-year break. What motivated you to take that break, and what did it mean to return?
The Women Grow Leadership Summit went on hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when many of us had to hunker down, adapt and navigate immense challenges, both personally and professionally. The first half of this decade was about survival and recalibration, but as we step into a new reality in 2025, I knew it was time to revive and reenergize the Summit. Bringing our community back together for this year’s Leadership Summit wasn’t just an event, it was a call to action for women in cannabis and beyond. We created a space where leaders, entrepreneurs, and advocates came together to strategize, support one another and push forward despite the obstacles we face.
Being back in community for the Summit reaffirmed to me why this work is so necessary. Women need a seat at the table. We need access to funding. We need laws that support our businesses, our families and our futures. And Women Grow is here to make sure we get it.
What are some efforts to empower women in the cannabis industry that Women Grow is excited to offer in 2025?
This year, Women Grow is doubling down on our commitment to action. We are rolling out several initiatives aimed at economic empowerment, policy reform, and leadership development.
We’re expanding our newly formed 501(c)(3) Foundation to secure funding and grants for women-led businesses in cannabis and adjacent industries. This begins with expanding the Board of Women Grow Foundation with a search for the top leaders in the cannabis industry. The newly formed Board will be announced at the Women Grow Leadership Summit 2026. Access to capital is one of the biggest challenges women face in this space, and we are committed to helping women overcome financial barriers to business ownership.
We are also mobilizing at the state level to push for legislative change ahead of the midterm elections. Women Grow is activating in key states where we can have the greatest impact, advocating for policies that ensure women and minority-owned cannabis businesses are not left behind.
And most importantly, we are expanding mentorship and networking programs to provide women with direct access to the knowledge, resources and industry leaders who can help propel their businesses and careers forward.
This project is incredibly personal to me, and I’m passionate about creating products that
celebrate our heritage while delivering exceptional quality. The support we’ve received from our community has been humbling, and it fuels our drive to keep innovating and building something truly special in the D.C. cannabis market.
Are there any big lessons that stick out from this year’s summit that you’d like to pass on to other women in the cannabis industry who could not attend?
One of the biggest takeaways from this year’s summit is that we are stronger together. Women in cannabis — and women in leadership across all industries — are facing real challenges. We are underrepresented, underfunded and too often underestimated. But when we stand together, we are unstoppable.
Another key lesson is that now is the time to take action. If you are a woman in cannabis, it’s not enough to just survive. We need to strategically position ourselves for long-term success. That means advocating for policies that protect our businesses, supporting women-led brands, and stepping into leadership roles in our communities.
Finally, your voice matters. Whether you are a business owner, an advocate, a scientist, or just entering the industry, your perspective and contributions are valuable. Women Grow is here to amplify that voice, to ensure that no woman in this industry ever feels alone, and to create the opportunities we all deserve.
The work doesn’t end when the Summit does. We have to keep pushing forward. We will not be silenced. We will continue on.
How can people keep up with Women Grow?
Women Grow is more than a summit or an event—it’s a movement. If you weren’t able to attend the Summit, there are still many ways to get involved. Whether it’s through mentorship, advocacy, business support, or policy engagement, we encourage you to join us in shaping the future of this industry. Connect with us at WomenGrow.com, sign up for our newsletter, follow us on social media and be part of this unstoppable force for change.
To learn more about The Outlaw Reports features please reach out to info@outlawreport.com
