As the cannabis industry continues to expand globally, the conversation surrounding equity, innovation, and inclusivity has never been more critical. At the forefront of these discussions is Dr. Chanda Macias, CEO of Women Grow and a trailblazer in the cannabis space. With a steadfast commitment to empowering women and driving forward the industry’s evolution, Dr. Macias is a beacon of leadership and progress.
Women Grow’s 2025 Summit, taking place this February in Washington, D.C., promises to be a transformative event, uniting policymakers, entrepreneurs, and advocates to explore the future of cannabis legalization and women’s rights. The Summit will feature influential voices, including WNBA star Brittney Griner, and will spotlight diverse initiatives from career development to cannabis-infused culinary innovation.
Dr. Macias has long championed the intersection of women’s health, cannabis, and advocacy. Her leadership at Women Grow highlights the essential role of women in shaping an equitable future for the cannabis industry.
As 2025 approaches, the Summit’s themes of empowerment, inclusivity, and innovation are especially timely. From tackling health disparities to advancing gender parity in leadership, the event seeks to create actionable pathways for meaningful change in an industry poised to redefine wellness, culture, and economic growth.
Ganjly: The Women Grow 2025 Summit Cooking with Cannabis track promises to merge art and science. How do you envision cannabis cuisine reshaping both the culinary world and the perception of cannabis as a wellness tool?
Dr. Chanda Macias: Cannabis cuisine has the power to revolutionize how we view food and wellness. By integrating cannabis into culinary experiences, we’re shifting perceptions from recreational use to therapeutic and holistic applications. This track at the Women Grow 2025 Summit demonstrates how cannabis can enhance flavor, creativity, and wellness when approached with precision and artistry. Our goal is to show the world that cannabis cuisine is not only innovative but also a vital tool for improving quality of life through mindful consumption.
Ganjly: The summit highlights the potential of cannabis cuisine to be therapeutic, plant-based, and low-sugar or low-carb. How does this align with broader trends in health-conscious dining, and what role does cannabis play in reimagining wellness?
Dr. Chanda Macias: Health-conscious dining today focuses on balance, natural ingredients, and functional benefits. Cannabis fits perfectly into this trend by offering therapeutic properties such as stress relief, pain management, and better sleep. When paired with plant-based and low-sugar or low-carb options, cannabis cuisine can meet the needs of a wide audience, including those managing chronic conditions or seeking healthier lifestyles. It’s about empowering individuals to take control of their wellness journeys with tailored, conscious choices. The Summit will feature James Beard nominated Chef, philanthropist, sales leader and Psoriasis warrior– Jordan Wagman. Jordan is a best-selling author. His latest book, WELL, How I Found My Health Through Food, takes you on a journey of discovering mental and physical health through food. He will feature these recipes at the Cannabis Cuisine track at the Summit.
Ganjly: Cannabis-infused cooking requires precision in dosing and preparation. How important is consumer education in this space, and what steps does Women Grow take to ensure safe and informed use of cannabis in cuisine?
Dr. Chanda Macias: Consumer education is crucial to the safe and effective use of cannabis in cooking. Precision in dosing ensures that individuals have a positive and predictable experience, which is why Women Grow prioritizes education at every level. The top rule for dosing cannabis cuisine is to Start Low and Go Slow. It is also critical to properly integrate cannabis consistently throughout the ingredients.
From workshops to panels featuring experts in the field, we provide tools and resources to help consumers and professionals alike understand dosing, preparation, and the benefits of cannabis-infused cuisine.
Ganjly: With prominent chefs including Chef Charleen Caabay and Chef Todd Gray participating, how does Women Grow plan to bridge the gap between the culinary arts and the cannabis industry to foster innovation and entrepreneurship?
Dr. Chanda Macias: By bringing these renowned chefs including Chef Charleen Caabay and Chef Todd Gray into the conversation, we’re creating a platform where culinary excellence meets cannabis innovation. Women Grow fosters collaboration by connecting chefs, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and explore opportunities. This collaboration not only elevates the culinary arts but also drives entrepreneurship by opening doors to new markets and possibilities within the cannabis industry.
Ganjly: The cannabis culinary industry faces unique challenges, such as regulatory compliance and scaling production. What advice would you offer aspiring entrepreneurs looking to break into this space?
Dr. Chanda Macias: My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to start with a strong understanding of the regulatory landscape and prioritize compliance in every aspect of your business. Educate yourself on local and federal guidelines, and work with experts. Additionally, focus on scalability by creating systems that can grow with your business while maintaining product quality. Collaboration and networking through platforms like Women Grow can help connect you to mentors who can provide valuable insights and connections to help navigate these challenges.
Ganjly: The Women Grow Summit emphasizes inclusivity and leadership. How does the Cooking with Cannabis track reflect Women Grow’s mission to empower women within the cannabis industry?
Dr. Chanda Macias: The Cooking with Cannabis track embodies our mission to empower women by showcasing diverse voices and creating opportunities for leadership within the cannabis culinary space. We aim to provide women with the knowledge, tools, and connections they need to succeed as entrepreneurs, innovators, and advocates. This track is more than just a showcase of talent; it is an opportunity to connect with mentors through celebrating women—and their male advocates—driving change and breaking barriers in a rapidly evolving industry.
Ganjly: As a leader in both healthcare and cannabis, how do you see the therapeutic benefits of cannabis-infused cuisine complementing medical cannabis use for patients?
Dr. Chanda Macias: Cannabis-infused cuisine offers a natural extension of medical cannabis use, providing patients with a palatable, enjoyable way to incorporate cannabis into their routines. For individuals are looking for alternatives to traditional administration methods, edibles can offer an effective, discreet and non-combustible/non-smoking alternative. By focusing on precise dosing and therapeutic formulations, cannabis cuisine can address specific health needs while also providing a delicious and artistic way to fostering a sense of comfort and normalcy in a patient’s daily life.
Ganjly: Cannabis cuisine often balances creativity with commercialization. What are some key factors that businesses should consider when bringing cannabis-infused products to market?
Dr. Chanda Macias: Bringing cannabis-infused products to market requires a balance of innovation and compliance. Businesses should prioritize safety, transparency, and consistency, ensuring that products meet both regulatory standards and consumer expectations. Additionally, investing in education and storytelling can help brands differentiate themselves while building trust with consumers. Creativity is key, but it must be grounded in a commitment to quality and integrity.
Ganjly: Women Grow has been a pioneer in advocating for equity in the cannabis industry. How does the summit’s focus on cannabis cuisine foster inclusivity and create opportunities for underrepresented groups?
Dr. Chanda Macias: Fine dining has historically been dominated by traditional leadership. The summit’s focus on cannabis cuisine brings leaders in the sector who can serve as a gateway for underrepresented groups to enter the cannabis industry by offering accessible, creative, and tangible opportunities. By highlighting diverse voices and providing mentorship, resources, and education, we’re working to break down barriers and create an inclusive environment where everyone has a chance to thrive.
Ganjly: Looking ahead, how do you see the role of cannabis cuisine evolving within the broader cannabis industry, and what impact do you hope the Women Grow 2025 Summit will have on this transformation?
Dr. Chanda Macias: Cannabis cuisine is poised to play a transformative role in normalizing cannabis use and expanding its applications in wellness, hospitality, and beyond. I hope the Women Grow 2025 Summit serves as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity, inspiring individuals and businesses to embrace the potential of cannabis-infused cuisine. Together, we can redefine the future of food and wellness, one dish at a time.
The Women Grow 2025 Summit embodies the spirit of transformation and collaboration necessary for an equitable cannabis future. Through initiatives that amplify women’s voices, foster entrepreneurship, and bridge the gap between innovation and inclusivity, Dr. Chanda Macias and Women Grow are setting the stage for lasting impact. As participants gather to share knowledge and inspiration, the Summit serves as a powerful reminder that progress begins when diverse voices unite to lead the charge for a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.
