Next weekend, Annapolis is the place to be. On Saturday, September 13, the Celebration of Women in Cannabis Brunch will bring together some of the most powerful women in Maryland’s cannabis industry for a high-energy, invite-only event at Blackwall Hitch.
This isn’t your average brunch. Curated by Mother Exotics and SunMed Growers, it’s an exclusive gathering built for the women who are already making noise — and for those ready to learn how to move through the game the right way.
Why Women Need to Tap In
Maryland’s cannabis market is moving fast, and too often women get boxed out of ownership and leadership opportunities. The Celebration of Women in Cannabis Brunch is here to flip that script. It’s a space where the bosses of the industry connect directly, giving out gems, building networks, and showing that women aren’t just in the room — they’re leading it.
Sakara Barnes, founder of Mother Exotics, has the blueprint. A New Yorker who took her grind out West, she became fully licensed in California’s tough cannabis market before bringing her brand to the East Coast. Today, Mother Exotics is in 34 Maryland dispensaries, making it one of the fastest-growing names in the state.
Alongside her is Hope Wiseman, CEO of Mary & Main and the youngest Black woman to ever open a dispensary. Hope has been paving the way through her Legal & Licensed workshops, teaching others how to transition into ownership and operate successfully within the legal system.
Building Legacy Through Leadership
The Celebration of Women in Cannabis Brunch isn’t about hype — it’s about legacy. Honorees this year include Lyndsey Odachowski of Positive Energy dispensary and Jennifer Miller of Sweet Buds, showing how women are making an impact across cultivation and retail. With the Maryland Office of Social Equity in the building, the brunch also reinforces that representation matters in every part of this market.
How You Can Get Involved
The brunch itself is reserved for women working in cannabis — but that doesn’t mean the conversation stops at the door. If you’re a woman looking to break into the game, learn about the business, or connect with leaders making real moves, tap in directly with Sakara Barnes on Instagram @_sakara.
Her mission is all about opening doors, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities for the next generation of women leaders. Whether through mentorship, workshops, or brand building, there’s a lane for women to get involved and thrive.
The Celebration of Women in Cannabis Brunch goes down Saturday, September 13, 12–2 PM at Blackwall Hitch in Annapolis.
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