Honoring Women’s History Month: Celebrating Women in Cannabis, Agriculture, and Our Community
As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we take this opportunity to reflect on the invaluable contributions of women across industries, from cannabis to agriculture and beyond. At Central Plains Cannabis, we celebrate the women who have shaped our industry, strengthened our community, and contributed to the rich history of Durham Region.
Women in the Cannabis Industry: Pioneers of Progress
The cannabis industry has been profoundly shaped by the efforts of women who have fought for legalization, social justice, and innovation. From researchers and entrepreneurs to policy advocates and cultivators, women have played a pivotal role in transforming cannabis into a regulated, thriving industry. Their leadership has helped destigmatize cannabis use, improve access, and create more inclusive business opportunities. Today, women continue to shape the industry through research, entrepreneurship, and advocacy, ensuring cannabis remains a space for innovation and social equity.
Women in Agriculture: The Farmerettes of Durham Region
Long before the modern cannabis industry, women were making their mark in agriculture—particularly during wartime. In Ontario, including Durham Region, the Farmerette Movement played a critical role in maintaining food production during World War II.
With men serving overseas, farms faced labor shortages, and young women stepped in to fill the gap. Known as Farmerettes, these young women, some as young as 16, took on physically demanding roles such as planting, weeding, harvesting, and processing crops. Their work ensured that Ontario’s agricultural output remained strong despite the challenges of war.
Programs like the Ontario Farm Service Force, established in 1941, recruited Farmerettes across the province, placing them in agricultural hubs where they lived in camps and worked long hours to support food production. The impact of these women cannot be overstated—they provided essential labor during a time of crisis and paved the way for future generations of women in agriculture.
Books like Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz: Memories of Ontario Farmerettes and recent documentaries have helped revive the memory of these unsung heroes. Their resilience and dedication are a testament to the strength of women in agriculture, and their legacy continues to inspire us today.
Women in Our Community: Strengthening Newcastle and Durham Region
In our own community, women have been instrumental in shaping local businesses, advocacy movements, and the cannabis space. Whether through entrepreneurship, social activism, or retail leadership, the impact of women in Newcastle and the broader Durham Region is undeniable.
At Central Plains Cannabis, we are proud to support and uplift the women in our store, who bring passion, knowledge, and dedication to their roles every day. Their contributions help create a welcoming and informed space for our customers, ensuring we uphold the highest standards in cannabis education and retail.
Mindful Consumption and Empowerment
One of the ways women are reshaping the cannabis industry is through mindful consumption—a movement that encourages individuals to be intentional about their cannabis use. Mindfulness in cannabis consumption involves understanding strain effects, proper dosing, and personal wellness goals to maximize benefits while minimizing risks.
Research supports the benefits of mindful cannabis use in areas such as pain management, mental health, and relaxation. Studies like those published in the International Journal of Drug Policy emphasize the importance of education and responsible consumption practices. Women, in particular, have been at the forefront of integrating wellness and cannabis, advocating for safer and more informed use.
Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Women in Cannabis and Agriculture
As we close out Women’s History Month, our commitment to supporting women in cannabis, agriculture, and our community remains strong. Whether through recognizing historic contributions like those of the Farmerettes, championing women-led businesses, or fostering inclusivity within our own store, Central Plains Cannabis stands with the women who continue to push boundaries and inspire future generations.
We honor their resilience, their innovation, and their unwavering dedication to progress. Here’s to the women who have shaped our past, empowered our present, and will continue to lead us into the future.
References
Bonn-Miller, Marcel O., et al. “A Pilot Study of Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness Meditation for Young Adult Female Marijuana Users.” Substance Abuse, vol. 34, no. 3, 2013, pp. 242–247. PMC.
Cuttler, Carrie, and Alexander Spradlin. “Mindfulness and Cannabis Use: A Meta-Analytic Review.” Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, vol. 123, 2021, pp. 1–11. SAGE Journals.
Fischer, Benedikt, et al. “Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines: A Comprehensive Update of Evidence and Recommendations.” American Journal of Public Health, vol. 107, no. 8, 2017, pp. e1–e12. PMC.
Hall, Wayne, et al. “Health Effects of Cannabis: A Review.” European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, vol. 274, 2024, pp. 1–15. Springer.
Moitra, Ethan, et al. “Integrating Mindfulness into Cannabis Education: A Harm Reduction Approach.” International Journal of Drug Policy, vol. 124, 2024, p. 104514. ScienceDirect.
Schmidt, Christiane, et al. “A Randomized Controlled Trial on a Mindfulness-Based Internet Intervention for Reducing Cannabis Use.” BMC Psychiatry, vol. 22, no. 1, 2022, pp. 1–15. BMC Psychiatry.
Smith, Michael A., et al. “The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Psychoeducation on Cannabis-Related Negative Thought Patterns.” International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, vol. 22, 2024, pp. 1–15. Springer.
Walsh, Zach, et al. “Set and Setting in Cannabis Use: Exploring the Relationship Between Yoga, Mindfulness, and Marijuana.” Marijuana Moment, 2023. Marijuana Moment.
Lambton Heritage Museum. “The Farmerettes: Ontario’s Forgotten Wartime Workers.” Lambton Museums.