Cannabis competitions, exclusive small-batch flower drop parties, major conventions in Las Vegas and New York — while only one Cannabis gathering has gone mainstream, there are tons of ways to network in the Cannabis industry. But despite the onslaught of events, finding gatherings that cultivate authentic connections with like-minded professionals can be challenging. When Leah Cerri found herself losing one of the core reasons that she enjoys working in the Cannabis industry — the deep bonds she felt with other women also working in weed — she pulled from her professional background to start a free community event. Held monthly since December 2023, Nor-Cal Women in Cannabis provides space for women to chill and smoke together.
“I want to create a space where it’s OK for people to be themselves,” Cerri said of her events. “At first, I was thinking about networking, but when I really thought about it, what I really wanted was to build deeper connections.”
Taking place in weed-friendly venues from Humboldt to Oakland (where Cerri lives), these parties feel like gatherings of old and new friends. They’re not overly salesy, and while there’s a plan for activities, the conversations and experiences feel organic. Women-owned companies are present to share their flowers, dabs and Cannabis products. There are things like arts and crafts, massages and tarot readings, and photographer Ashley Ann is often taking smoke shots, which women aligned with the leaf can use as headshots to promote their brands.
Cerri said it’s great if people want to participate in the activities she’s planned, but her goal is for people to find the wellness in the community that they really need.
“If they want to participate in the activities, great; if they don’t, they can lie on a couch and get high, and that’s fine with me, or just get lost in some arts and crafts project if they’re feeling not super social or overwhelmed by all the people,” she said. “I really want it to be not what I think people need, but what people really think they need themselves.”
Cerri had a background working in event planning with nonprofits before joining the Cannabis industry six years ago. She has worked in several positions since then — including founding two Cannabis event companies — and is currently the territory manager for Storz and Bickel in the U.S. and Canada.
“It’s hard for everyone in the industry right now, men and women, and I’m not trying to be divisive. But I’ve been to a lot of events that are for the industry as a whole or the community as a whole, and sometimes they don’t feel safe. Sometimes, they’re really sexist,” Cerri said when asked why she founded a gathering that’s exclusively for women. “When I’m thinking about how hard it is for all of us — like with taxes, with the unstable economy, the unstable job market, especially in California, the prices skyrocketing — you know, Cannabis is struggling. We’re all facing that stuff, men and women, but added on top of that, (women) have to deal with a lot of sexism and discrimination in the workplace.”
Nor-Cal Women in Cannabis events are intended to provide an environment free from those issues to foster closer bonds. Additionally, the nonmonetized, relaxed atmosphere lets attendees be themselves and engage at their own comfort level. Smoking weed is always encouraged.
“The venue has to allow consumption, or there has to be a patio that we can access readily,” Cerri said. “We work in Cannabis. This is for the industry and the community, and if you can’t consume Cannabis at the event, I don’t really see the point.”
