The Women in CannaBusiness Podcast

S6:E1 - Annie Fleshman: From SaaS Startup to Founding Marketer at Cannabis Tech Leader Flowhub

In the premiere episode of Season 6 of The Women in CannaBusiness Podcast, host Olivia Castaldy sits down with Annie Fleshman, Vice President of Marketing and founding marketer at Flowhub, live from Hall of Flowers Ventura. Since joining Flowhub in 2018, Annie has helped transform the company into one of the most trusted cannabis retail technology platforms in the United States. In this conversation, she shares her perspective on the evolution of cannabis retail, the challenges dispensaries face in today's market, and how technology can help operators create more efficient, profitable businesses. Annie also discusses her journey from SaaS marketing into cannabis, lessons learned from scaling high-growth companies, and why education and retailer empowerment remain at the heart of Flowhub's mission. Whether you're a dispensary operator, cannabis entrepreneur, marketer, or industry professional, this episode offers valuable insights into the technology shaping the future of cannabis retail. Topics Covered: • The current state of cannabis retail • Technology's role in dispensary success • Scaling a high-growth cannabis technology company • Building sustainable marketing systems • Retail education and industry empowerment • What's next for cannabis operators and brands Connect with Annie Fleshman: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anniefleshmanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/afleshman/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/afleshman/]    Learn More About Flowhub: Website: https://flowhub.com [https://flowhub.com/]LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowhub [https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowhub]Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowhubhttps://www.instagram.com/flowhub [https://www.instagram.com/flowhub]   Follow The Women in CannaBusiness Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenincannabusiness [https://www.instagram.com/womenincannabusiness]LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-in-cannabusinesshttps://www.linkedin.com/company/women-in-cannabusiness [https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-in-cannabusiness]   #CannabisRetail #CannabisTechnology #DispensaryOperations #CannabisIndustry #Flowhub #WomenInCannabis #CannabisMarketing #HallOfFlowers #CannabisBusiness #WomenInCannaBusiness

S5: E8 - Mila Jansen: The Hash Queen Who Helped Shape Modern Hash Culture

To close out our Season 5: Heavy Hitters, we’re joined by one of the most legendary pioneers in the history of the plant, Mila Jansen, also known as The Hash Queen. From the early days of cannabis culture in Amsterdam… to traveling the world with her children and spending over a decade living in India… to inventing one of the most influential tools in hash making, the Pollinator… Mila’s story is one of resilience, curiosity, and building a life far outside the boundaries placed on women at the time. In this conversation, she shares what it looked like to navigate male-dominated and often illegal markets across continents, how her innovations helped shape modern hash culture, and the perspective she’s gained after decades in the space. This episode is more than a conversation, it’s living history, and the perfect way to close out a season dedicated to the women who have made a lasting impact on this industry. In this episode, we cover: • The early days of cannabis culture in Amsterdam • Mila’s travels through India, Afghanistan, and the Himalayas • The invention of the Pollinator and hash innovations • Building businesses across cultures and continents • Traditional vs. modern hash practices • Advice for women entering the industry Notable Quotes: “It was love at first token.” “My best hash is the one I am smoking now.” “Keep on dancing through life.” Follow Mila Jansen & Learn More: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milahashqueen/ [https://www.instagram.com/milahashqueen/]Website: https://www.pollinator.nl/https://www.pollinator.nl/ [https://www.pollinator.nl/] Order Mila's Book, "How I Became the Hash Queen": https://www.amazon.com/How-became-Hash-Queen-English/dp/2845942451 Season 5 Sponsor — OCM Digital Marketing This season is proudly sponsored by OCM Digital Marketing, a full-service marketing agency helping brands build, scale, and convert through full-funnel strategy. From paid media and email marketing to website development and SEO, OCM Digital partners with businesses to drive real, measurable growth. Learn more: https://www.ocmdigitalmarketing.com/ [https://www.ocmdigitalmarketing.com/]   Women in CannaBusiness Hosted by Olivia Castaldy Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenincannabusiness/ [https://www.instagram.com/womenincannabusiness/]Listen to more episodes + stay connected: https://www.womenincannabusiness.com/ [https://www.womenincannabusiness.com/]

S5: E7 – Rachelle Gordon: From Arrest to Advocacy & Crafting the Stories That Drive Cannabis Forward

In this episode of Women in CannaBusiness, we sit down with Rachelle Gordon, Managing Editor of GreenState, to explore the deeply personal experiences that shaped her path into cannabis journalism and advocacy. A driving force behind Rachelle’s work is her passion for the medical potential of cannabis, especially for neurological conditions and seizure disorders. After watching her father struggle with his health without ever having access to cannabis as a potential option, in addition to being arrested for possession in Minnesota, she’s become committed to amplifying patient stories, lived experiences, and the real impact this plant can have. Rachelle shares how a 2011 arrest redirected her career from education into cannabis, ultimately leading her to become one of the most trusted voices in the space. Through storytelling and honest reporting, she’s helping shape a more informed, responsible, and human-centered cannabis industry. We also get into the conversations most people avoid, balancing advocacy with accountability, including the importance of educating consumers on both the benefits and risks, like Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome. This episode also explores what it really looks like to be a woman in cannabis today: navigating challenges, building confidence, and finding community in a still male-dominated industry. You’ll also hear: * Practical advice for women entering cannabis: diversify your skillset and network intentionally * The evolution of cannabis journalism and mainstream media * How to balance multiple roles while protecting your mental health * The importance of mentorship and preserving the stories of patients and those impacted by prohibition * Where the industry is headed, from low-dose products to broader mainstream adoption Rachelle’s story is a reminder that advocacy isn’t just about policy—it’s about people, stories, and the voices that deserve to be heard. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Rachelle Gordon 02:18 – Background in education and 2011 arrest 04:17 – Career shift into cannabis advocacy 06:16 – Cannabis and neurological conditions 09:49 – Advice for women entering the industry 14:48 – From freelance writer to GreenState editor 17:33 – Being a woman in cannabis 20:52 – Challenges and harassment in the industry 24:14 – Building resilience 28:59 – A day in her life 36:53 – Boundaries and mental health 40:05 – Mentors and inspirations 43:22 – Final thoughts Connect with Rachelle Gordon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelle-gordon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachellethewriter [https://www.instagram.com/rachellethewriter] GreenState: https://www.greenstate.com [https://www.greenstate.com]   Sponsor This episode is sponsored by OCM Digital Marketing. OCM Digital is a full-service marketing agency that builds the foundation for your brand, from websites and SEO to full-funnel strategies across Meta, Google, and LinkedIn Ads. We don’t just drive traffic, we help convert it into real, measurable growth. If you’re ready to stop leaving leads and revenue on the table, learn more at: https://www.ocmdigitalmarketing.com

S5:E6 – Tamara Anderson: From Nurse & Pastry Chef to Cannabis Event Innovator

In this episode of The Women in CannaBusiness Podcast, we sit down with Tamara Anderson, founder of Culinary & Cannabis, an interactive cannabis event production company redefining how people experience plant medicine through food, wellness, and education. With a unique background as both a registered nurse and pastry chef, Tamara shares how her personal journey, including her son’s experience—reshaped her perspective on cannabis and led her to build a brand rooted in healing, accessibility, and elevated experiences. From hosting luxury cannabis-infused culinary events to creating safe, inclusive spaces for education, Tamara is on a mission to break stigma and help both canna-curious individuals and experienced consumers feel confident exploring the plant. We dive into the realities of navigating the cannabis industry as a woman of color, the importance of authentic storytelling in building a brand, and how she’s scaling Culinary & Cannabis globally while staying grounded in purpose. This episode is a powerful reminder that your background, your story, and your “why” can become the foundation for something truly impactful. What We Cover: * Tamara’s journey from nursing and pastry arts to cannabis entrepreneurship * How personal experiences shaped her advocacy for plant medicine * Creating luxury cannabis events that educate and empower * Navigating stigma across generations and communities * Challenges as a woman of color in the cannabis industry * Building authentic relationships inside and outside the industry * Leveraging your existing skills to enter the cannabis space * The role of cannabis in wellness, balance, and daily life   Connect with Tamara Anderson: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryandcannabis [https://www.instagram.com/culinaryandcannabis]LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-anderson-2901a978 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-anderson-2901a978]Website: https://www.culinaryandcannabisevents.com [https://www.culinaryandcannabisevents.com/]   Presented by OCM Digital Marketing OCM Digital Marketing is a full-service marketing partner helping brands grow through strategy, content, and paid media. From startups to scaling brands, we focus on building marketing systems that drive real results. Learn more: https://www.ocmdigitalmarketing.com [https://www.ocmdigitalmarketing.com/]

S5:E5 – Nikki Lawley: From Nurse to Patient to Advocate, Surviving a Broken System & Finding Purpose Through the Plant

In this powerful episode of Women in CannaBusiness, we sit down with Nikki Lawley,patient advocate, speaker, and founder of Nikki and the Plant, to explore her deeply personal journey from healthcare provider to patient, and ultimately, to one of the most impactful voices in the industry. After a life-altering injury in 2016, Nikki went from being a pediatric nurse to navigating a broken medical system, seeing over 50 doctors, being on over 10+ pharmaceuticals at a time, battling debilitating symptoms, and facing the harsh realities of traditional treatment. At her lowest point, she found herself questioning everything… until one unexpected experience with plant medicine changed the trajectory of her life forever. What followed was not just healing, but purpose. Nikki shares how she became what she calls a “medical cannabis refugee,” traveling across borders just to access the relief she couldn’t find at home, and how that journey led her to discover the true power of the plant, not just THC, but the full spectrum of compounds working together. Today, Nikki is a leading advocate for patients, working to raise awareness around invisible illness, disability, and the importance of education, access, and authenticity in the space. In this episode, we dive into: * The moment that shifted everything for Nikki. and gave her a reason to keep going * What it really feels like to not be heard in the traditional medical system * The misconceptions around plant medicine and how education changes everything * Why patient stories are one of the most powerful tools we have * The realities of working in the industry from stigma to sales to advocacy * What it truly means to be your authentic self in cannabis and beyond This conversation is raw, honest, and deeply human. reminding us that healing doesn’t always look the way we expect, and that sometimes, the hardest chapters lead to the most meaningful purpose.   🔗 Connect with Nikki Lawley: Website:⁠ www.nikkiandtheplant.org⁠ [http://www.nikkiandtheplant.org/] All Links:⁠ https://linktr.ee/Nikkilawley⁠ [https://linktr.ee/Nikkilawley] Instagram: @nikkiandtheplant LinkedIn: ⁠Nikki Lawley⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-lawley/]   Listen + Follow: Follow Women in CannaBusiness on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube to stay connected with the stories shaping the future of the industry. Sponsored by OCM Digital Marketing OCM Digital Marketing is a full-service agency helping brands grow through multi-channel strategies,from paid ads and SEO to content and email marketing. If you’re ready to elevate your brand and stop leaving leads on the table, learn more at: 🌐⁠⁠ www.ocmdigitalmarketing.com [http://www.ocmdigitalmarketing.com/]