In March we celebrate International Womens’ Day drawing attention to womens’ achievements in society and the struggle for equality. In the world of cannabis women play substantial roles, from breakthrough medical researchers to cultivators and activists. Here are just a few of the many incredible women who have contributed to the advance of medical cannabis.

In 1988 Allyn Howlett PHD, a medical scientist, discovered the CB1 receptor, which provided the gateway to research into the endocannabinoid system. This first breakthrough has led to a whole new area of medical science, there are now ‘ endocannabinologists’ who are focussed on revealing the entirety of this vital component of our physiology. Howlett is still actively researching, presently she is studying how proteins interact with cannabinoids, leading to the development of effective cannabis medicine.

Cannabis legalization wouldn’t have passed without the medical doctors who were prepared to start prescribing patients with cannabinoid-based medicine. The stigma and misinformed beliefs about cannabis which had been endemic throughout the twentieth century were deconstructed publicly by the doctors who openly embraced the plant's potentiality. Dr Rachel Knox MD is one of these doctors. Knox became frustrated that her colleagues were quick to dismiss cannabis medicine’s usefulness citing the lack of clinical evidence. This led Knox and her parents, both medical practitioners, to set up ‘The American Cannabinoids Clinics’. The clinic’s methodology is to treat the endocannabinoid system when assessing a disease’s process in the body. Cannabis is the most versatile tool that works on the endocannabinoid system and so cannabis and other complementary natural plant medicines are prescribed in ACC practices.

Cannabis activists have also been prominent in the emergence of cannabis into mainstream awareness and the late Michelle Kendal, who made the cannabis documentary ‘Schedule 1’ deserves to be remembered. Kendal had stage 3 ovarian cancer when she was diagnosed, chemotherapy was ineffective and left her no conventional options. At home in Colorado with her parents, her mother introduced her to cannabis medicine. Kendal’s tumor markers shot down in response to her cannabinoid regime and her doctors were amazed. ‘Schedule 1’ is an important documentary furthering the conversation about cannabis medicine and it is, in itself, a fitting tribute to Kendal and her life’s legacy.

The Sisters of the Valley, of Merced County in California are non-denominational nuns dedicated to healing the world with cannabis. They take their inspiration from the Beguine communes of the Middle Ages, who were lay nuns who lived and worked to support their communities through medicine and sustenance. The Sisters of the Valley also provide support in their local communities and produce cannabis products for the retail market to fund their non-profit foundation.

Last, but not least, I’d like to offer my gratitude for the women of Synergy Wellness, whose knowledge, insight and compassion provide our many members with the support that they need.