The International Women’s Cannabis Conference centers the voices of women and non-binary leaders shaping the global cannabis landscape. Through our Speaker Series, we spotlight diverse perspectives across education, business, healing, and lived experience. From grassroots activists to research scientists, our speakers reflect the full spectrum of cannabis engagement. Drawn from around the world, they invite audiences to step into their unique relationships with the plant—and the movements it inspires.
DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES
Our speakers represent a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and expertise in cannabis. This conference amplifies voices often left out of mainstream industry events, ensuring a richer and more inclusive conversation.
COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION
We center patient advocacy and community wellness while acknowledging business realities. Our content reflects the full spectrum of cannabis’ role in our lives—bridging healing, culture, and informed action.
COMMUNITY-CENTERED
Beyond industry trends, we focus on the people behind the plant—patients, advocates, and culture-makers. Our discussions highlight the role of cannabis in healing, justice, and collective empowerment.
COMPENSATED SPEAKERS
Expertise deserves recognition, and we prioritize paying our speakers for their time and knowledge. By valuing their contributions, we set a standard for equity in cannabis education and advocacy.
Beyond the Smoke: Cannabis Culture and Tourism
June 1, 2025
This June, The International Women’s Cannabis Conference honors the women and non-binary individuals who are shifting the way we experience cannabis. Beyond the Smoke is not just about rolling up. It’s about the artistry, the atmosphere, and the intentional spaces being crafted around the plant. We are highlighting the ones who have redefined what it means to gather, to celebrate, and to heal through curated experiences. These are the individuals who’ve taken cannabis out of the shadows and placed it firmly at the center of elegance, joy, and connection.
From private dinners in infused gardens to weekend retreats in the mountains or on the beach, these creators know how to build entire worlds around a single flower. They are the hosts who remember your name, the DJs who read the energy of the room just right, the travel guides who build whole itineraries that nourish the spirit, and the event promoters who don’t just throw a party but create a portal. Their work is layered, intentional, and soulful.
They’ve taken the time to understand how cannabis fits into people’s lives not only as a medicine, but also as a pathway to deeper relationships, heightened presence, and real beauty. Whether it’s through scent, setting, or sound, they build experiences that linger in the memory. They are redefining luxury—not as something inaccessible, but as something rooted in care, community, and consciousness.
This is for the ones who’ve helped the world feel cannabis differently. This event is our way of saying we see you, we appreciate you, and we want more people to know your work. Because cannabis culture is more than compliance and cultivation. It’s taste, touch, timing, and a whole lot of heart.
Our Dynamic Speakers
Adelia Fakhri
Asha & Ayanna Wadada
Jaime Evans
Opal Watkins
Leila Soveron Ovando
Vanessa Lavorato
Nerestorm
Black Rose
India Johnson
Sarah Jain Bergman
Solonje Burnett
The Grasshoppa
Vanessa Oliver
Tropi Helga
Ayanna Lawson
The Dank Duchess
Queenee Gonzalez
Adelia Fakhri
CMO/Co-Founder, EventHi | Co-Founder, Blunt Brunch
@adelia_fakhri_
Adelia Carrillo is the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of EventHi, a groundbreaking online ticketing platform revolutionizing the cannabis events industry. With over a decade of experience spanning corporate, consumer electronics, and cannabis sectors, Adelia combines creativity and strategic vision to drive meaningful impact. Her achievements were honored with the 2023 Leadership Impact Award from ICBWA, underscoring her influence and dedication to advancing the industry.
Adelia’s journey into cannabis is fueled by passion and purpose. With her expertise in technology, marketing, and business, she has consistently propelled growth and innovation, amplifying the industry’s voice and fostering success. She’s not just a leader, she’s a catalyst for transformation, connecting people and sparking meaningful change. As Co-Founder of Blunt Brunch, Adelia is dedicated to building community and sharing knowledge. From advising organizations like the International Cannabis Business Women’s Association to supporting Lift Experiences & Events, Adelia’s drive to empower others is unmatched.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Adelia is a mentor and inspiration, helping women and entrepreneurs navigate the evolving cannabis space with confidence and clarity. Her dedication to uplifting others and shaping the future has solidified her reputation as a trusted thought leader. Adelia isn’t just part of the conversation, she’s leading it.
www.eventhi.io
www.bluntbrunch.com
Destination Elevated: Crafting Cannabis Events that Inspire Travel
Asha & Ayanna Wadada
Founders, Ladies Of 420
@ladiesof.420
Ladies of 420 is a Caribbean-born Cannabis lifestyle and wellness brand founded by sisters Asha and Ayanna Wadada, two unapologetic herbalists reshaping the way women engage with Cannabis across the region. Rooted in the rich cultural soil of Trinidad & Tobago, Ladies of 420 is more than just a brand—it’s a movement. Created to normalize the feminine connection to the herb, the brand brings together Cannabis, community, and consciousness through high-vibe events, educational content, and wellness experiences grounded in both tradition and transformation.
Asha Wadada, a certified yoga instructor, brings the breath, balance, and body awareness to the brand, offering a holistic approach to Cannabis as a tool for healing, mindfulness, and personal evolution. Her work weaves together yogic philosophy and herb culture, making the Ladies of 420 experience deeply rooted in wellness, intention, and self-empowerment.
Ayanna Wadada, an experienced digital entrepreneur and passionate Cannabis advocate, brings the fire of strategy, storytelling, and Caribbean pride. Her background in digital marketing and economic empowerment fuels the mission of helping women across the region build freedom-based businesses through education, Cannabis-infused products, and community-driven platforms.
Together, the Wadada twins are building a bold, beautiful bridge between Cannabis and Caribbean womanhood, breaking stigma while elevating the voices of everyday herbalists, mothers, creatives, and healers. From 420 Bashment to wellness retreats, infused jello shots to Instagram education, Ladies of 420 invites women to reconnect with the herb, their power, and their potential—on their own terms.
High Vibes, Higher Potential: Caribbean Women Leading the Way in Cannabis & Tourism
Jamie Evans
The Herb Somm | 4x Published Author | Certified Sommelier | Entrepreneur
@theherbsomm
Jamie Evans is the founder of The Herb Somm, a culinary-meets-cannabis blog and lifestyle brand that’s focused on the gourmet side of the cannabis industry. She’s a 4 x published author, certified sommelier, entrepreneur, and writer specializing in cannabis, infused beverages, wine/spirits, and the canna-culinary world.
As a well-known cannabis and wine personality, Jamie is best known for her literary work and signature wine and weed event experiences. She’s contributed to POPSUGAR, Wine Enthusiast Magazine, High Times Magazine, MARY Magazine, and The Clever Root magazine specializing in lifestyle features for the modern consumer. In addition, she’s the co-editor of GoldLeaf’s acclaimed cannabis Cooking Journal and author of the published books, The Ultimate Guide to CBD: Explore the World of Cannabidiol (Fair Winds Press, 2020), Cannabis Drinks: Secrets to Crafting CBD & THC Beverages at Home (Fair Winds Press, 2021), and High Times: Let’s Get Baked! The Official Cannabis Cookbook (Insight Editions, 2023). Her fourth book, High Times Cannabis Cocktails: Seasonal Sips & High Teas for Every Occasion (Insight Editions, 2024) launched in July of 2024. As an industry leader, Jamie was named as one of Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 Tastemakers in 2018 and as a 2018 Innovator by SevenFifty Daily. She was also recognized as one of Green Market Report’s “Most Important Women in Weed” in 2020 and named as one of Marijuana Venture’s Top 40 Under 40 leaders in 2023.
Alongside her work in the cannabis space, Jamie is a Certified Sommelier, Certified Specialist of Wine, and French Wine Scholar with over a decade of wine industry experience. She’s also the founder of Herbacée, a French-inspired cannabis-infused wine brand. She’s been featured in dozens of different articles and TV segments, including Food & Wine, Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur, Forbes, Financial Times, Wine Enthusiast, Robb Report, San Francisco Chronicle, Los Angeles Times, ABC, and High Times, among many others. Follow Jamie’s canna-culinary adventures on Instagram @theherbsomm.
From Vine to Herb: Crafting Elevated Experiences for the Canna-Curious
Opal Watkins
Event Producer | Cannabis Content Creator | Cannamom Advocate | Co-Producer of Blaze The Runway
@melanatedsmoke
Opal Watkins is an Event Producer, Creative Designer, and proud Cannamom based in the Washington, DC area. She is the visionary behind Melanated Smoke, a growing digital platform dedicated to breaking the stigma around cannabis—particularly for women and mothers—and is a proud member of Bouqé Rolling Paper Company.
With over 15 years of experience in event production, strategic planning, and content creation, Opal has led high-profile productions across industries including cannabis, sports, fashion, and entertainment. From large-scale activations to culturally immersive experiences like Blaze The Runway, she specializes in designing and managing unforgettable events that center storytelling, community, and brand purpose.
As a producer and creative consultant, Opal excels at bridging visionary ideas with seamless execution—whether developing branded campaigns, managing full-scale events, or spearheading social media growth. She is passionate about helping brands connect meaningfully with their audiences through intentional design, compelling narratives, and inclusive experiences.
Whether working behind the scenes or stepping in front of the camera as a cannabis content creator, Opal is committed to elevating how we engage with the plant—stylishly, unapologetically, and with purpose.
High Production Value: Merging Event Expertise with Cannabis Culture
Leila Soveron Ovando
Founder/Instructor/Program Director, Cannabis Culinarily Program at Mission Language Vocational School (MLVS)
@la.leyla
Chef Leila Soveron Ovando graduated in 2001 from the prestigious California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. She is a cannabis culinary chef with over 20 years of experience in the kitchen. She was born and raised in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District. Leila is a mother of three and has had a remarkable journey in the culinary world. She has worked with cannabis companies such as Mellows, Meadows and Cannasueir series a 5 course cannabis infused dinner. SF Buyers Club, Google, The Epicurian Trader etc.
Leila’s passion for cooking and cannabis led her to create a unique program for a Cannabis Culinary Infusion program at MLVS (Mission Language Vocational School), which was the first ever cannabis program funded by the Office of Workforce Development of the city of San Francisco. Understanding that access to healthy food and healthy food education is crucial for the survival of her community. She created the first cannabis culinary curriculum in English and Spanish with access for everyone. The curriculum is based on the very basics of cannabis decarboxylation, non-solvent extractions, infusion and how to incorporate cannabis infusions in to traditional recipes. Her students graduate with a state Servsafe manager’s certificate. That allows them to run any commercial kitchen in The state of CA.
As a first-generation Mexican and Salvadoran, Leila’s heritage has greatly influenced her culinary style and creativity. Her relationship with cannabis began at a young age, starting at just 11 years old. It became a part of her daily routine, as she used it to find solace and creativity. In the challenging environment of the 90s, Leila navigated local gang wars and the “war on drugs” by using her love for cannabis, theater, and food as a means of escape and self-expression. She is working hard to eradicate the cannabis stigma and give her community the education and access they need to be a part of this budding cannabis industry and medicinal plant. This program is a testament to the resilience and ability to turn life’s challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation in the culinary and cannabis world.
Healing at the Table: Cannabis, Culture, and the Power of Traditional Foods
Vanessa Lavorato
Edible Maker | Cookbook Author
@vanessamarigold
Born in California and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Vanessa Lavorato is a television host, cannabis chef, chocolatier, food writer, and entrepreneur whose work has helped elevate the cultural conversation around cannabis and culinary arts. After earning her degree in art history and Italian from UC Berkeley, Vanessa’s journey took a flavorful turn toward the intersection of food, plant medicine, and community.
In 2010, she founded Marigold Sweets, a handcrafted cannabis confection company that focused on flavor, aesthetics, and quality sourcing long before “edibles” became mainstream. Each product told a story—of craftsmanship, intention, and her love for elevated experiences.
Vanessa became a national name as co-host and culinary producer of VICE’s James Beard Award–nominated series Bong Appétit, where she infused not just meals, but kitchens and living rooms across the country with a sense of curiosity, creativity, and calm. Her signature approach to cannabis cuisine is thoughtful, chic, and grounded in joy.
These days, Vanessa hosts The Edibles Club, a live-streamed cooking show with a laid-back, stoner-at-the-stove vibe that brings together a global audience eager to learn recipes like Hash Tortellini and Weed Hollandaze. She’s continued to innovate with the 2025 release of her first cookbook, How to Eat Weed and Have a Good Time, which is packed with lab-tested recipes, straightforward dosing guidance, and her signature wink of humor and ease.
More than a chef, Vanessa is a connector—bringing together flavor, storytelling, and advocacy to gently but firmly challenge stigma, particularly for women and mothers who use cannabis for wellness, creativity, and pleasure. Her work has been featured in Vogue, The Los Angeles Times, and countless kitchen conversations sparked by her warmth on screen.
When she’s not designing unforgettable cannabis-infused treats or demystifying weed cuisine for the masses, Vanessa enjoys long walks with her beloved dog, Bon Bon, who has become something of a quiet mascot in her ever-evolving world. Together, they call Los Angeles home, embracing the beauty of slow mornings, shared meals, and a life lived intentionally—one infused bite at a time.
Locally Baked: Edibles as Cultural Exchange
Nerestorm
Cannabis Educator | Activist | Event Producer
@nerestorm
Born in 1991 in Barcelona, Nerea aka Nerestorm is a passionate advocate for cannabis who entered the scene at a young age and has now spent over a decade in the industry. Her first professional experience came in 2015, working at a still relatively unknown and emerging Spannabis. From that moment on, she knew exactly what she wanted to dedicate her life and time to. Even though the future of the industry was uncertain back then, she was determined to be part of its evolution and to fight for its recognition and growth.
In 2017, she was introduced to the world of Cannabis Social Clubs, where she found what would become her extended family to this day: La Kalada. There, Nerea developed both personally and professionally, thanks to the mentorship and collaboration with seasoned professionals like Bobby Kalada and Jahkirevi—both deeply passionate about cannabis and committed to learning, just like her. They helped open doors to various parts of the industry, though Nerea found herself especially drawn to the world of extractions, particularly water hash.
That passion led her to create her own brand, Saturn Storm, dedicated to high-quality water hash, built on the knowledge and guidance she received from Bobby Kalada. Today, she serves as the manager of La Kalada, organizes cannabis-related events, and is the founder of Storm Tears, a brand that reflects her creative drive and deep-rooted love for the plant.
Sabores de Barcelona: Un Viaje por La Cultura Cannábica, Los Clubes y Las Conexiones Globales
Black Rose
Comedian | Producer | Activist
@iamblackrosenyc
Black Rose is a fearless comedian, powerhouse performer, and rising star in New York City’s entertainment and cannabis scenes. Born and raised in Harlem with deep Dominican roots, she channels streetwise savvy, cultural pride, and razor-sharp wit into every performance.A regular at iconic venues like Caroline’s, Broadway Comedy Club, and Comedy in Harlem, Black Rose also lights up the screen with credits in West Side Story (Spielberg), In the Heights (Chu), Chained, and Human Graffiti. Her magnetic stage presence and comedic precision have earned her spots alongside major acts at festivals and showcases across the country.
Offstage, she’s deeply embedded in cannabis culture as a Content Consultant with Happy Munkey, where she helps shape the brand’s voice and cultural footprint. A beloved figure in the community, Black Rose has served as the official MC of the NYC Cannabis Parade for the past two years, bringing unmatched energy, humor, and heart to one of the city’s most iconic cannabis celebrations.
Black Rose is where cannabis meets comedy with soul—bringing people together, sparking joy, and commanding the mic with purpose.
Mic’d Up & Unapologetic: Finding Power in Your Own Voice
India Johnson
Cultivator | Event Producer
@colombian_weed_queen
India Rebolledo, widely recognized as the “Colombian Weed Queen,” is a pioneering cannabis entrepreneur, cultivator, and event curator based in Ohio. With a decade-long career in the cannabis industry, she began her journey in 2015, starting from humble beginnings and working her way up to owning and operating her own company. Notably, she was the only Black Colombian female cultivator on the award-winning Best CBD Team at the 2018 Indo Expo.
A graduate of culinary school in Boulder, Colorado, India combines her culinary expertise with her passion for cannabis culture. She organizes cannabis-centric events across Ohio, including the Ohio Valley 4/20 Cannabis Fest and the 420 Gala, where her team hosts engaging blunt and joint rolling competitions. Her upcoming event, The Ohio Classic Rolling Competition, is scheduled for July 14th.
Through her dynamic events and unwavering commitment to community building, India Rebolledo continues to shape and celebrate cannabis culture in Ohio and beyond.
Elevated Gatherings: Creating Signature Events in Ohio’s Cannabis Scene
Sarah Jain
Hash Sommelier | Certified Ganjier | Model | Educator
@hashsommelier
@sarahjain420
Sarah Jain Bergman is the Hash Sommelier and a Certified Ganjier. She specializes in high quality small batch concentrates, food + dab pairings, and educational tasting demos. Sarah has 16+ years experience in the cannabis industry.
Drawing inspiration from the storied tradition of wine and food pairing in fine dining, hash and fruit pairings emerge as a refined sensory experience similar to wine tasting. Like wine connoisseurs swish, sip, and savor, hash enthusiasts inhale and exhale, allowing terpenes to weave their magic.
The essence of hash and fruit pairings lies in savoring the flavors, not in attaining a heightened state of intoxication. Jain’s approach prioritizes sensory exploration, inviting participants to revel in the intricate dance of terpenes and taste. Jain’s expertise shines as she masterfully matches specific strains of hash with complementary fruits, creating an unparalleled gustatory experience.
Passport to Flavor: A Hash Sommelier’s Guide to Cultured Cannabis Tourism
Solonje Burnett
Founder, Weed Auntie | Marketing Director, SASS
@solonjeburnett
Solonje Burnett facilitates conscious connection and community as the Weed Auntie and Marketing Director at SASS. Weed Auntie focuses on curating moments of plant infused mindful connection + experience centric education. Her foray into eco-fashion launched in Spring 2025 with a limited edition hemp jumpsuit encouraging people to wear their weed. A Caribbean-American humanist, brand strategist, spaceholder and experience producer, she focuses on creating inclusive and intersectional containers for holistic wellbeing rooted in connectivity and care while amplifying marginalized + melanated practitioners, creatives, and entrepreneurs in cannabis and beyond. Solonje speaks, partners, and consults on brand education + marketing, sustainability, self care, sexual health, racial injustice, gender discrimination, and community empowerment. She sits on the Advisory Board of CUNY’s new workforce development program, Cannabis to Culinary. Solonje was a member of the 2023 Clio Cannabis Marketing & Advertising Jury and an advisory board member for Broccoli Magazine’s Floret Coalition. She performs with the creative protest group Resistance Revival Chorus. Solonje has been featured in publications like the New York Times, them, Marie Claire, Forbes, High Times, Instyle, Refinery29, PAPER, Girl Boss, Black Enterprise, Atmos, Well+Good and VICE.
Cultivating Intersectional Community + Culture through Experiences
The Grasshoppa
Professional/Creative Roller | Founder, Luxe Rolls, Luxe Roll Bar, Roll University | Pre-Roll Manufacturer
@thegrasshoppa
@luxerolls
@luxerollebar
The Grasshoppa is a groundbreaking creative and entrepreneur best known for elevating the art of cannabis rolling to luxurious new heights. With over a decade of experience in the scene, she has become a household name among connoisseurs and creatives alike, fusing technical mastery with imaginative flair.
She is the founder of Luxe Rolls, a premium line of hand-rolled, fillable cones that merge elegance and functionality for discerning consumers. From gold-tipped classics to bold novelty designs, her creations have become must-haves at high-end events and exclusive sessions. Her rolling work has been widely recognized in High Times, Forbes, and Vice, and she remains the only woman in the invitation-only National Joint League—a testament to her dominance in a traditionally male-dominated craft.
As a RAW Rolling Papers creative ambassador for over nine years, The Grasshoppa has showcased her talent across the globe with unforgettable smokeable art pieces such as Baby Yoda, Wall-E, and a full-sized, functioning cannabis crossbow. Each piece speaks to her imaginative genius and deep respect for the plant.
Beyond her own artistry, she’s committed to bringing others along on the journey. With the creation of Roll University, she now teaches others how to roll with excellence—offering courses and certifications that cover everything from foundational skills to advanced techniques in infused and specialty rolling. Meanwhile, her Luxe Roll Bar has become the go-to premium rolling service for brand activations, celebrity events, and private parties alike.
The Grasshoppa’s mission is simple yet profound: to honor the craft, build community, and create core memories through the shared ritual of the roll. Her work not only redefines luxury in cannabis—it inspires a new generation to roll with intention, creativity, and pride.
The Art of the Hand Roll: Building Careers, Community, and Ceremony Around the Craft
Vanessa Oliver
Experiential Marketing Strategist | Wellness Educator | Brand Storyteller
@cannaluxxe
@cloud9studios_llc
@tasteofolives
Vanessa Oliver is a nationally recognized experiential marketing strategist, educator, and community builder transforming how the cannabis and wellness industries connect with culture. As the founder of Cloud 9 Studios and Cannaluxxe Wellness, she has created and executed over 30+ educational events across 8 legal cannabis markets, building immersive platforms that fuse wellness education, plant medicine, and consumer empowerment.
Through her innovative campaigns and events, including Cannaluxxe Wellness Academy, Cannaluxxe Wellness Expo, Cannaluxxe Wellness Lounge, and Cannabis Wedding Expo, Vanessa has generated unique brand visibility for emerging and underrepresented businesses while simultaneously shifting public understanding of cannabis as a tool for holistic health and personal transformation.
Her work bridges marketing with social impact, offering a blueprint for BIPOC and women-owned brands to scale through values-based, in-person experiences. Vanessa has become a leading voice in sensory-based marketing, conscious consumer engagement, and equity-centered brand storytelling—challenging outdated narratives and helping companies build trust in the communities they serve.
As a former digital content producer with over a decade working with major tech conglomerates in Silicon Valley, Vanessa combines tech-savvy insight with deep cultural intuition. Her platforms sit at the intersection of education, community, and empowerment, and she continues to lead a movement toward social-impact-driven marketing models in cannabis and wellness.
Experience Is the Strategy: Rethinking Customer Acquisition Through Experiential Wellness Marketing
Tropi Helga
Budtender Educator | Event Planner | Public Speaker
@tropi_helga
Born in Costa Rica and now firmly rooted in Barcelona, Helga Bucher—widely known as Tropi Helga—is an international force in cannabis education, event production, and consumption culture. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Helga has built a career that seamlessly fuses creativity, technical knowledge, and cultural sensitivity, all while pushing the boundaries of what cannabis education and experience can look like.
Through her brand Tropical Glass, she has brought visibility to glass art as a central part of the modern cannabis ritual. Her curated dab stations and glass gallery installations have become a staple at major cannabis events in Europe, particularly in Spain’s thriving yet complex club scene. Helga uses art and engagement as a bridge between seasoned connoisseurs and newcomers, creating environments where consumption is elevated, communal, and respectful.
Understanding the importance of professional development in an evolving industry, Helga founded Global Budtender Training, an Oaksterdam University-certified program focused on standardizing customer service and product knowledge in cannabis social clubs and dispensaries worldwide. Her training is not one-size-fits-all—instead, it is carefully adapted to the legal, social, and cultural nuances of each market she serves.
A skilled organizer and connector, Helga has played a key role in producing internationally recognized events like Dab-A-Doo, collaborating with iconic figures such as Mila Jansen and fostering relationships across borders. Whether she’s designing immersive experiences or training the next generation of cannabis professionals, Helga operates with deep reverence for the plant and the people it connects.
Warm, grounded, and unstoppable, Helga continues to be a catalyst for global cannabis community-building. Always teaching, always learning, and always finding a way forward.
Cannabis Catalonia: Where Events Meet Culture, Community & Change
Ayanna Lawson
CEO and Founder, Front Row Travels, LLC
@frontrowtravelsllc
Ayanna Lawson is a pioneering cannabis travel expert and the visionary behind Front Row Travels®, a full-service 420-friendly event and travel brand based in Baltimore, Maryland. With over five years of experience in the cannabis tourism industry, she has been instrumental in curating immersive, stigma-free experiences that blend wellness, culture, and plant medicine.
Ayanna’s innovative approach to cannabis-friendly travel has garnered attention from major media outlets, including CBS Baltimore, Forbes, Conde Nast Traveler, Huffington Post, Travel Pulse, and Maryland Leaf. Her work has also been featured in Vanguard Media Online and Canna Curious Magazine, highlighting her commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding cannabis use, particularly within the Black community.
As the author of Blazing Your Way Into the Cannabis Tourism Industry, Ayanna provides valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the burgeoning cannabis tourism market. Her e-book offers a comprehensive guide to building a successful cannabis travel brand, reflecting her dedication to education and empowerment within the industry.
Through Front Row Travels®, Ayanna offers a range of curated experiences, from infused brunches to spa retreats, all designed to provide safe and inclusive environments for cannabis enthusiasts. Her events often support local, minority-owned businesses, emphasizing her commitment to community engagement and economic empowerment.
Ayanna’s contributions to the cannabis industry have been recognized by organizations such as Women Grow, where she has served as a speaker, sharing her expertise on cannabis hospitality and tourism. Her leadership continues to inspire and pave the way for a more inclusive and accessible cannabis travel landscape
Blazing Your Way Into the Cannabis Tourism Industry
The Dank Duchess
Hashish Educator | Cultivator | Writer | Public Speaker | Conference Producer
The Dank Duchess is an internationally recognized Hashish Consultant, Cannabis Cultivator, and Public Speaker with over two decades of expertise in cannabis. Trained by some of the best hash makers, she has built a global reputation for hashish production, judging elite competitions, and educating millions through media, writing, and public speaking.
Duchess has consulted with cultivators worldwide, optimizing hash production for both small-scale artisans and large facilities. Her expertise has made her a featured judge at prestigious cannabis competitions such as Emerald Cup and Masters of Rosin, ensuring the highest standards in hashish are upheld.
A dedicated educator and advocate, Duchess has made multiple media appearances, including VICELAND’s Bong Appétit (Seasons 1 & 3), and has reached millions online through her YouTube streams, social media content, and cannabis education initiatives. She has shared her expertise as a guest speaker at the University of British Columbia, the University of Barcelona, and Medgar Evers College, and her writing has been published in Weed World UK, Cannabis Now, Skunk Magazine, and Ed Rosenthal’s books. She has also contributed chapters to Stephen Gray’s How Psychedelics Can Help Save the World and Ed Rosenthal’s This Bud’s for You.
Beyond her work with hash, Duchess is committed to diversity and representation in cannabis. She founded Mocha Mary Jane, an online community supporting Black and Brown female growers and hashmakers, providing mentorship and industry education. She also serves on the boards of the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy (NAP) and the Association for Comprehensive Health Equity in Medicine (ACHEM), furthering cannabis research and health advocacy.
In collaboration with Method Seven, she represents a line of eyewear tailored for cannabis cultivators, merging function with style.
Whether judging the world’s finest hashish, consulting cultivators, speaking on global stages, or producing educational content, The Dank Duchess remains a driving force in hashish culture and cannabis advocacy, living by her mottos: “Cannabis flower fuels my power” and “My Niche is Hashish.”
Host
Queenee Gonzalez
Cultivator | CannaMom | Patient | Educator
Queenee Gonzalez is a leading cannabis educator, content creator, and advocate specializing in cannabis concentrates and dabbing education. As the CEO and Lead Educator of House of Queenee, she is dedicated to breaking stigmas around dabs as medicinal and helping consumers make informed choices in New York’s legal cannabis market.
With 25 years of experience as a registered medical assistant, Melodie has worked in trauma, cardiovascular, orthopedic, neurosurgery, and pulmonary health. Holding a bachelor’s degree in Health Services Administration, she bridges her medical expertise with cannabis education, emphasizing the therapeutic benefits of cannabis extracts.
As a dab educator and brand activation specialist, she trains budtenders and dispensary staff, enhancing their product knowledge and customer engagement strategies. She also curates immersive dab bar experiences, showcasing premium solventless concentrates from both the legal and legacy markets.
Queenee is also the creator of A Dabber Is Born, a unique event series celebrating dabbing culture, and the host of a cannabis education podcast, where she shares insights on concentrates, consumption methods, and industry trends. Her engaging social media content on Instagram, TikTok, and podcasts blends humor, entertainment, and education, attracting a loyal community of concentrate connoisseurs.
Outside of her cannabis advocacy, Queenee enjoys journaling, meditation, and fitness. She is currently training for a 5K and embracing a plant-based, organic lifestyle as part of her wellness journey through endometriosis and perimenopause.
Co-Host