Whole Woman Wellness: We Survive and We Thrive
October 26, 2025
This October, as Breast Cancer Awareness, Domestic Violence, and Mental Health Awareness intersect, we honor the resilience of women who have survived, healed, and now thrive. Whole Woman Wellness: We Survive and We Thrive spotlights women and non-binary leaders whose hard-won expertise was forged through lived experience—and whose work continues to break barriers in wellness, medicine, and mindset.
Our speakers bring stories of courage and transformation: from athletes redefining performance through cannabis, to advocates navigating neurodivergence and trauma with personal protocols, to survivors turning stigma into bliss. Their willingness to share is an act of service to all of us—reminding us that wellness is not a luxury, but a right.
We proudly compensate every presenter, because their time, wisdom, and heart deserve tangible appreciation. This is community care in action—education rooted in empathy and powered by purpose.
Our Dynamic Speakers
Dr. Miyabe Shields
Rebecca Allen Tapp
Dr. Elizabeth Thompson
Sherri Mack, BSN, RN
Sirita Wright
Kirstie Chadsey
Andrea Maglione
Kevnesha Boyd, LPC
Dr. Natasha Khallouf
Dr. Genlizzie Garibay
Dr. Shanna Marrinan
Rhiannon Binder
Trina Ragsdale
Queenee Gonzalez
The Dank Duchess
Dr. Miyabe Shields
Cannabinoid Pharma. Research Scientist | Queer Neurodivergent Stoner Scientist
@miyabephd
Dr. Miyabe Shields, PhD is a pharmaceutical scientist, educator and advocate whose work bridges rigorous molecular research, lived experience and an inclusive vision for the future of cannabis and natural-medicines. With over 14 years of expertise focused on the structural and functional biochemistry of the endocannabinoid system, Miyabe has charted a unique career trajectory—from academic drug discovery labs to industry innovation, and now to community-first education and outreach.
Miyabe completed their PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences with a concentration on the endocannabinoid system and drug discovery, following a BS in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. Early in their career they earned multiple national and international research awards for their pre-doctoral work. After earning their PhD, they co-founded a cannabis-research startup focused on heat-transformed cannabinoids and novel extraction methods—translating deep scientific inquiry into practical innovations for the cannabis industry.
In 2023, Miyabe co-founded the non-profit organization Network of Applied Pharmacognosy (NAP), which focuses on the study of natural-product synergies (including cannabinoids and terpenes), amplifying lived-experience data, and creating bridge-work between laboratory science and community understanding. Their work as a science communicator is equally vital: via social media, podcasts and live presentations they have reached over six million people, using language that is both grounded in pharmacology and attentive to neurodiversity.
Miyabe deeply understands the human side of cannabis: personally neurodivergent and outspoken about the role that cannabis has played in their life. Through their course and community “The Neurodivergent Brain on Drugs” they explore how therapeutic cannabinoids and psychedelics can support those whose brains work differently—bringing both scientific rigour and compassionate lived experience to the intersection of brain health, cannabis and equity.
In addition to their scientific and advocacy work, Miyabe is an artist at heart—self-published the science-fiction novel High Hopes (2024) and performs as a musician blending alternative/folk-punk with Broadway-influenced vocals.
Personal Protocols: Trauma, Neurodivergence, and Optimizing Cannabis
Rebecca Allen Tapp
Product Manager, Paralab Green | Managing Director, RT Consulting Solutions LLC
@chronically.becca
Rebecca Allen Tapp is a seasoned international cannabis industry strategist with nearly a decade of hands-on experience across the recreational and medical cannabis markets in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and mainland Europe. Based in Portugal, she currently serves as Product Manager at Paralab Green, and is also the Managing Director of RT Consulting Solutions LLC, advising global producers and distributors on business development, market-analysis and operational growth.
Rebecca’s career in the cannabis sector began around 2016, when she entered the United States’ recreational market and built a distribution program for lab-equipment in association with multi-state operators. Her focus shifted toward Europe and the U.K., where she broadened her expertise in technical, regulatory and production infrastructure for cannabis, including working with extraction, downstream processing and compliance with GMP-style standards.
At Paralab Green, Rebecca has developed product strategies for equipment tailored to the European cannabis market—linking upstream cultivation and processing by focusing on how early-stage decisions (drying, milling, extraction) feed downstream outcomes (refinement, packaging).
Her speaking engagements span leading industry events such as Cannabis Europa (London), ICBC Berlin, CB Expo Zurich, and C‑Days Barcelona, where she has shared insights on market entry strategies, regulatory frameworks and the technical demands of cannabis supply chains. (Her media presence also includes features in technology and healthcare publications, and multiple podcasts exploring the global cannabis landscape.)
In a 2022 podcast episode, Rebecca shared a personal health journey: after being diagnosed in 2018 with a rare neuroendocrine cancer and losing her left lung, she turned to cannabis for therapeutic relief and resolved to deepen her knowledge of its production and policy implications.
Beyond her commercial roles, Rebecca contributes to industry-education and policy-advocacy as a member of advisory boards and trade associations focused on cannabis science and regulation.
She is particularly passionate about elevating technical and operational standards, promoting gender equity in the industry, and bridging the divide between technical operations and strategic business development.
Controlled Adversity: Building Resilience and Confidence
Elizabeth Thompson PhD, MSc., BSc.
Endocannabinoid System and Cannabinoid Researcher
@trainwith.maryjane
Dr. Elizabeth Thompson holds a PhD in pharmacy from the University of Saskatchewan,
specializing in cannabinoid science with a focus on concussion, neuroinflammation, and pain.
She holds an MSc in Applied Physiology from the University of Texas and a BSc (Honours) in
Molecular Biology from the University of Waterloo.
With over 20 years of experience in the world of professional contact sports, Liz brings a unique
perspective to her research, deeply understanding the dynamics between athlete performance, safety, and longevity, as well as the powerful influence of sponsorships, league policies, and post-retirement health challenges.
Her academic and professional journey led her to investigate molecular pathways involved in
concussion and neuroinflammation influenced by both naturally secreted and plant-derived
cannabinoids. As part of a Canadian research team funded by the National Football League and NFL Players Association, she is currently engaged in a multi-site clinical trial examining the pharmacokinetics and therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for pain management, brain health, and quality of life in athletes.
Liz has published peer-reviewed work in journals such as Sports Medicine Journal, BMC
Neurology, and Sports. Alongside her academic contributions, she leads Train With Mary Jane,
a multimedia education platform designed to translate complex cannabinoid science into
accessible content for athletes, their medical staff, and the public. Her mission is to bridge
cutting-edge research with real-world application, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about one of the most polarizing plants of our generation.
Breaking Barriers : Women, Cannabis and Performance in Sport
Sherri Mack, BSN, RN
Chief Nursing Ofc & Co-Founder, Holistic Caring & The Green Nurse | Vice President of Nursing, Bloom Hemp CBD
@thegreen_nurse
Sherri Mack, BSN, RN, is a trailblazer in the rapidly growing cannabis industry, serving as a nurse, patient advocate, educator, and activist. She is the Chief Nursing Officer and Co-founder of Holistic Caring & The Green Nurse and serves as Vice President of Nursing at Bloom Hemp CBD.
With over 35 years of experience in nursing, Sherri seamlessly integrates her expertise from traditional healthcare as a medical center specialist, clinical nurse liaison, and educator to bridge the gap between patients, conventional medical systems, and the cannabis community. She is dedicated to mentoring and educating nurses and healthcare professionals on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and the safe, effective use of cannabis in diverse settings, including dispensaries, hospitals, clinics, as well as at cannabis seminars, expos, and global events. Throughout her career, Sherri has supported thousands of patients, from pediatrics to geriatrics, guiding them and their caregivers toward improved wellness through the safe incorporation of cannabinoids into their care plans.
Sherri earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Boston College and is a founding member of the Cannabis Nurses Network and the International Association of Psychedelic Nurses. She also served on the Board of Directors for the American Cannabis Nurses Association and was on the editorial advisory board for Cannabis RX Magazine. She currently is Co-Chair of the Health and Wellness Committee for the Coachella Valley Cannabis Alliance. Sherri is a contributing author to the first cannabis nursing textbook, Carey S. Clark’s Handbook for Nurses.
In addition to her work in education and advocacy, Sherri hosts the award-winning podcast, The Green Nurse Podcast – Living Your Best Life. Through the podcast and her writing Ask The Green Nurse Substack, she shares inspiring stories of healing, educates listeners on the medicinal power of plants, and works to reduce stigma surrounding the use of cannabis for health and wellness.
Organizations
Founding Member CNN – https://www.cannabisnursesnetwork.com/speaker/sherri-tutkus-rn-bsn/
Founding Member IAPN – https://www.psychedelicnursing.org/members
Board of Directors ACNA – www.cannabisnurses.org
Society of Cannabis Clinicians – https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/
The Green Nurse Socials
You Tube – https://www.youtube.com/@thegreennurse
Linked In – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherri-tutkus-rn-bsn-912b7776/
Facebook The Green Nurse – https://www.facebook.com/TheGreenNurses
Facebook Community – https://www.facebook.com/groups/357024432370167
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/thegreen_nurse/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/Green_Nurses
Websites:
Cannabis Nursing Entrepreneurship: Nurses Blooming in Health
Rhiannon Binder
Director of Marketing & Sales, Bada Bloom! | Founder, Rhi-Up
@lets_rhi.up
Rhiannon Binder is a prominent figure in the cannabis industry whose career spans grassroots retail, brand leadership, and inclusive advocacy. From her beginnings as a budtender—interacting directly with consumers and developing a deep appreciation of plant education—she advanced into strategic leadership and now serves as Director of Marketing & Sales at the licensed social equity brand Bada Bloom!. In this role, she applies her frontline insights to shape brand positioning, consumer narratives and market outreach for a company rooted in craft and community-driven values.
Beyond her corporate role, Rhiannon is the founder of the women-focused platform Rhi‑Up, through which she champions women and non-binary individuals in cannabis. With a strong commitment to social equity, she stands for expanding access, elevating under-represented voices, and creating inclusive spaces where cannabis culture meets community, education and empowerment. Her advocacy resonates across plant science, consumer empowerment and cultural storytelling.
With a unique combination of hands-on experience and a mission-driven vision, Rhiannon bridges multiple spheres of the cannabis ecosystem: the consumer floor, the brand boardroom, the empowerment platform and the community stage. Her work reflects not only commercial acumen but also a meaningful commitment to culture, equity and education.
Let’s Rhi-up on Advocacy, Education, and Wellness
Kirstie Chadsey
Certified Cannabis Health Coach & Educator | Founder, W.E.C.A.N. | Passionate Home Grower
@kirsties_wecan
Kirstie Chadsey is a Certified Cannabis Health Coach, Educator, and the founder of the Women Empowered Cannabis Advocates Network (W.E.C.A.N.), a thriving community designed to connect, educate, and uplift women and non-binary individuals in the cannabis space. With more than 35 years of professional experience across business ownership, corporate management, and leadership development, Kirstie brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial skill, empathy, and authenticity to everything she does.
Her introduction to cannabis was born out of necessity. After decades of chronic pain, recurring depression, and the limitations of prescription medications, Kirstie turned to cannabis at her husband’s suggestion—and the result was life-changing. What began as a personal search for relief evolved into a mission to help others discover plant medicine as a path to healing and self-empowerment. In 2021, she became a Certified Cannabis Health Coach and Educator, and by the spring of 2022, she launched W.E.C.A.N. to provide a supportive and stigma-free environment for women to learn, connect, and grow.
Through W.E.C.A.N., Kirstie fosters collaboration and kindness, leading gatherings from her California home, which she shares with her husband, three dogs, and hundreds of succulents. Her vision centers on building authentic community through open dialogue, education, and shared experience. She believes that cannabis is not only a tool for physical and emotional wellness but also a catalyst for connection and collective empowerment.
Beyond W.E.C.A.N., Kirstie serves as Director of Business Development at James Allyn Printing, where she helps national accounts produce compliant, high-impact marketing materials. A lifelong learner, artist, and self-described “tribe-builder,” she continues to live her “Cannabliss Life”—one rooted in purpose, compassion, and the joy of helping others discover their own healing potential.
From Stigmatized to a Canna-Bliss’d Life
Sirita Wright
Cultural Strategist | Washington National Cathedral Fellow | Communications & Public Affairs Mgr, Maryland Office of Social Equity
@sirita_dmv
Sirita Wright is a cultural strategist and contemplative leader building at the intersection of wellness, equity, and creative community.
Currently the Communications and Public Affairs Manager for the Maryland Office of Social Equity, Wright has spent the past year and a half advancing Maryland’s cannabis equity framework through strategic narrative design and cross-sector partnerships. Her work has connected hundreds of social equity licensees to resources, created the Legacy to Leadership documentary series elevating founder stories, and positioned Maryland’s equity model for national visibility at convenings like the Women Grow Leadership Summit and the Global Cannabis Regulatory Summit.
Before government, Wright co-founded EstroHaze, a wellness-focused cannabis brand in New York City, and spent years in fashion merchandising and editorial spaces—including working at Vibe magazine. That foundation taught her something critical: cultural movements don’t start with policy—they start with people who understand how aesthetics, narrative, and belonging shape perception.
Wright is currently a fellow in the Sacred Spaces Leadership Intensive at Washington National Cathedral, a nine-month contemplative leadership program designed to cultivate leaders who create transformative social impact. Through this fellowship, she integrates breathwork, meditation, and spiritual practice into her approach to equity work—viewing systems change not just as policy reform, but as cultural healing that requires us to remain whole while we do the work.
She uses cannabis intentionally as part of her wellness protocol, documenting her practice publicly to destigmatize plant medicine and model what grounded, strategic use looks like for high-performing professionals navigating intense environments.
Recently, Wright’s cultural documentation work gained organic visibility when Union Market DC (144K followers) amplified her editorial coverage of their Room Service design showcase—recognizing her ability to elevate creative communities through sophisticated visual storytelling. Her approach positions her as someone who participates in cultural ecosystems, not just observes them—showing up to design installations, collage-making workshops at Eaton DC, and Style Makers Series conversations withBlack designers like Krystal Phillips. Wright believes sustainable confidence doesn’t come from enduring broken systems—it comes from building practices that keep you anchored while you transform them.
Her work lives at the convergence of policy advocacy, spiritual discipline, and cultural ambassadorship, demonstrating that the most powerful leadership happens when you refuse to compartmentalize who you are for institutional comfort.
She’s passionate about showing women in stigmatized industries—cannabis, wellness, creative entrepreneurship—that thriving isn’t about surviving chaos. It’s about integrating your spiritual practice, your professional positioning, and your cultural fluency into a life that reflects wholeness, not performance.
Sacred Resilience: How Cannabis, Contemplation, and Cultural Practice Create Sustainable Leadership
Andrea Maglione
Canna-influencer | Model | Canna Mom | Entrepreneur
@officialstonerbabe
Andrea Maglione – better known to many as “The Stoner Babe” – is a dynamic and multifaceted cannabis influencer, model, mother, and entrepreneur. With more than a decade of experience in the beauty industry, she has gracefully merged her passions for aesthetics, plant-wellness and business into a thriving brand ecosystem. She is the founder of Me Time Lux, a boutique skincare business offering CBD-infused bath, body and skincare products that reflect her commitment to self-care, empowerment and holistic wellness.
As a seasoned connoisseur of the plant world, Andrea brings bold energy and authenticity to everything she touches. Her reputation earned her recognition as an official content creator at major industry events like MJBizCon, where she is described as “a cannabis influencer, model, three-time business owner, and soon-to-be cannabis reality TV show host.”
Her brand voice—equal parts fun, informative and empowering—resonates across social platforms, where she leverages her model-background and influencer savvy to normalize cannabis, spotlight plant-based wellness and celebrate community. Andrea’s journey reflects a convergence of style, wellness, motherhood and cannabis culture—making her an influential voice in the space and a role model for those looking to bridge lifestyle, entrepreneurship and the plant economy.
In short: Andrea Maglione isn’t just building brands—she’s curating a movement around self-care, plant empowerment and unapologetic authenticity.
From Darkness to Light: How Cannabis Helped Me Heal
Dr. Natasha Khallouf
Doctor of Traditional Medicine |Cannabis Cultivator | Land Steward
@agricolaflower
Dr. Natasha Khallouf bridges traditional medicine with modern plant science and land-based healing. A Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, regenerative farmer, and one of the few owner-operator women cultivators in California’s cannabis industry, she has spent over two decades at the intersection of plant medicine, culture+ecology, and social justice. Her goal is to help connect people to plants and the land that sustains them.
A daughter of Lebanese and Nicaraguan parents, Dr. Khallouf carries a diasporic understanding of healing: one that weaves lineage, soil, and spirit into inseparable forces of collective repair.
At her farm, Agricola, she cultivates cannabis and medicinal herbs through regenerative practices that honor the soil and the web of life it sustains. La Finca Sagrada is the non-profit branch of the farm that is centered around education and skill-sharing; focused on creating accessibility to traditional medicine culture all the while awakening ancestral wisdom and land stewardship through internships and apprenticeship models.
She also leads On Point Integrative, an integrative medicine clinic in Sebastopol, CA. Her teachings & practice focus on building resilience, restoring balance, and harmonizing the body through earth based practices.
From Burnout to Balance: Adaptogens and Cannabis in Women’s Health
Dr. Shanna Marrinan
Chair, Cannabis Industry Council Research Committee | Clinical Director, 4C Labs
@shanmarrilondon
Dr. Shanna Marrinan is a distinguished researcher, clinician, and advocate in the cannabis and psychoactive compounds space. She serves as Chair of the Research & Science Working Group (formerly the Research Committee) for the Cannabis Industry Council (CIC) in the UK. Concurrently, she holds the position of Clinical Director at 4C Labs, where she oversees clinical and research operations that aim to advance evidence-based therapeutic use of cannabis.
Dr. Marrinan brings a robust academic and regulatory background to her work. She previously held roles as a research fellow at the Novel Psychoactive Substances Unit at the University of Hertfordshire, and has served as an independent consultant to institutions including the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), University College London (UCL) and the UK Houses of Parliament. She also lectures part-time at the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) one day per week.
Her research spans international publications in drug policy, toxicology and pharmacology, with a principal focus on the therapeutic applications of psychoactive compounds—especially medical cannabis. Through her leadership at the CIC, Dr. Marrinan helps shape the agenda on original research, real-world evidence, economic analyses, and cross-disciplinary collaboration within the cannabis industry.
Dr. Marrinan’s work is characterized by bridging clinical science, policy and industry strategy—advancing responsible access, rigorous evidence and patient-centred outcomes.
Medical Cannabis and Autoimmune Diseases
Kevnesha Boyd, LPC
CEO, Quality Counseling | Trauma Therapist | Certified Cannabis Consultant | Yoga Teacher | Activist
@kevnesha_lpc
Kevnesha Boyd is a trailblazer in healing and advocacy, merging her roles as a Trauma Therapist, Cannabis Consultant, Yoga Teacher, and Activist into a powerful force for healing. With over 15 years of experience in mental health, she leads Quality Counseling as its CEO, a group mental health practice pioneering a holistic approach to healing generational trauma in the Black community. Quality Counseling integrates mental health therapy, holistic wellness services, and innovative cannabis education, aiming to mend deep-seated wounds and foster intergenerational well-being.
In her role as a Certified Cannabis Consultant, Kevnesha revolutionizes mental healthcare, providing continuing education credits to mental health professionals about cannabis’s therapeutic effectiveness. Plant-Based Healing: Mental Health and Cannabis and Black Youth and Cannabis: A Cry for Help are trainings she offers, accredited by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC). She is a vocal advocate for expanding access to cannabis as a legitimate mental health treatment, illuminating its potential to transform lives.
Her engagement with influential groups such as Minorities for Medical Marijuana, NAACP, The Black Business Alliance, EMDRIA, and the Collaboration of Minority Professional Women showcases her commitment to social empowerment and justice. These alliances amplify her voice and extend her impact in the fight against mental health disparities. Kevnesha is a member of the community coalition, Stop Solitary CT, known for passing Senate Bill 459, also known as the PROTECT Act, in May 2022. The PROTECT Act is a law that created an Ombudsman, a Corrections Advisory Committee, limited the use of solitary confinement, ensured external oversight, and accountability of the Department of Corrections. The PROTECT Act makes the correctional system safer, and more humane through key reforms to safeguard the humanity of people incarcerated.
Kevnesha’s journey is marked by a profound purpose: to bridge gaps in mental health care for marginalized communities, inspiring a legacy of healing, empowerment, and liberation.
Generational Healing Through Cannabis and Ancestral Wisdom
Dr. Genlizzie Garibay
Co-Founder/Director of CANNATIVA | Co-Founder of RELAMUCA
@politapepper
Dr. Genlizzie Garibay, PhD — widely known as Polita Pepper — is a Mexican anthropologist, educator, and activist whose work bridges academic rigor with cultural and community-based advocacy. A graduate with honors from the National School of Anthropology and History (ENAH), she has devoted her research to indigenous cannabis-growing communities across Latin America, documenting how ancestral knowledge and modern policy intersect in shaping access, equity, and healing.
Dr. Garibay is the co-founder and director of CANNATIVA A.C., a civil association dedicated to education on entheogens, cannabis quality control, and social development projects for diverse populations. Through CANNATIVA, she has led community workshops, national symposiums, and cross-cultural collaborations that center ethics, sustainability, and social inclusion.
She is also the co-founder of the Latin American Network of Cannabis Women (RELAMUCA), a groundbreaking network that amplifies women’s leadership and visibility throughout the region’s cannabis and psychedelic landscape. As an educator and feminist, Dr. Garibay brings forward a holistic, bioethical framework that honors both scientific inquiry and the lived experience of plant-based medicine.
Recognized by Forbes as one of the Hispanic Power Players in the Cannabis Space to Watch, she has become a sought-after voice for her work in promoting education, harm reduction, and indigenous inclusion in cannabis reform. Her influence extends through public speaking, writing, and digital media, where she connects with a wide audience under her moniker @politapepper.
Dr. Garibay is also the co-producer of the documentary “Cannábicas,” a landmark project highlighting the stories of women in cannabis across Latin America. Through her scholarship, activism, and storytelling, she continues to redefine what it means to study and steward this plant from a deeply human, socially conscious perspective.
Ancestral Technology, Women, and Community Health
Trina Ragsdale
Founder/Owner, Jane’s Joint Boutique Dispensary | Founder/Owner, Wisdom & Wellness | Cancer Survivor
@janesjointnj
Trina Ragsdale is the founder and owner of Jane’s Joint Boutique Dispensary and Wisdom & Wellness, two community-centered initiatives rooted in holistic health, education, and empowerment. An educational psychologist by training and a breast and thyroid cancer survivor, Trina’s journey from tragedy to triumph has become both her personal testimony and professional mission.
Her path to wellness began through necessity—when faced with the physical and emotional toll of cancer, she sought alternatives to traditional medicine and discovered the restorative power of holistic healing. Infusing plant-based remedies into her meals and routines helped her manage pain, regain strength, and reconnect with her body. What began as personal healing evolved into advocacy: a drive to educate others about holistic care, wellness-centered living, and access to supportive resources.
As one of New Jersey’s emerging Black women dispensary owners, Trina’s story reflects resilience, purpose, and reclamation. She has navigated the challenges of licensure, local approval, and property acquisition to establish a safe, education-first cannabis retail space—dedicated to improving access to quality care and creating opportunities for those historically impacted by the criminalization of cannabis.
Through Wisdom & Wellness, Trina extends that mission beyond retail—offering workshops, discussions, and community programs that promote preventative health, emotional wellbeing, and holistic alternatives to traditional medicine.
Drawing inspiration from her family’s legacy of entrepreneurship and education, Trina remains committed to paving a path for others—especially women and families seeking informed, compassionate care. Her work stands as a testament to what’s possible when healing meets purpose, and when community and education come first.
From Diagnosis to Dispensary: Lessons in Hustle and Healing
Queenee Gonzalez
Educator | Canna Mom | Writer | Speaker |Content Creator | Endometriosis Warrior
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.
From Pain to Power: How Concentrates Became My Medicine and My Mission
The Dank Duchess
Hashish Educator | Cultivator | Writer | Public Speaker | Founder, International Women’s Cannabis Conference
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.”
The Resin Never Lies: Surviving, Thriving, and Becoming Through the Lessons of Cannabis
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.