Every March, across the country, we celebrate Women’s History Month – a moment to reflect on how far women have come and how much further we must go. It’s not just a celebration of progress but a call to keep pushing forward.
At DocMJ, we don’t just observe this month – we live it. With a team of dedicated, knowledgeable, and passionate women, we’re proud to support an industry where women’s rights, leadership, and compassion shape the future of medical cannabis. From doctors to directors, family caregivers to patient advocates, women here do more than show up; they drive change.
The Roots of Women’s History Month
You might know March as Women’s History Month, but the movement began long before it appeared on calendars. It started as Women’s History Week in Sonoma County, California, in 1978 – a cooperative effort between educators, students, and community leaders to bring women’s history into public awareness. The goal was simple: correct the erasure of American women from textbooks, museums, and classrooms.
That local week gained momentum, and by 1981, Congress passed joint resolutions to establish National Women’s History Week. The movement didn’t stop there, thanks to growing public support and advocacy from the National Women’s History Project (now the National Women’s History Alliance).
In 1987, after additional resolutions and organizing across the nation, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation proclaiming March as Women’s History Month. Since then, U.S. presidents have issued annual proclamations designating March as a month to honor the contributions of women to American history, culture, economics, and society.
Globally, International Women’s Day (celebrated on March 8) adds to this powerful chorus, with the United Nations recognizing the day since 1977.
Why It Matters in Cannabis – and in Care
So, why does this all matter at a medical cannabis practice?
Because women continued to be at the frontlines of healing, even when their work went unrecognized. They’ve advocated for patients, studied the science, fought for legal change, and created businesses where care comes first. And today, they’re transforming an industry once shaped by radical ideologies and stigma into one focused on science, support, and status.
At DocMJ, we see this transformation daily, led by our women’s all-star team.
“I was inspired by the science and the opportunity to be part of a field that merges healthcare with innovation.”
– Jackie R., COO
Their work reflects the real-world contributions of women that historians, health professionals, and advocates have long highlighted.
The Power of Storytelling and Visibility
This Women’s History Month 2025, we’re celebrating not just the impact of our team but also the stories that inspire them – the stories of mothers, grandmothers, patients, and pioneers.
“My mom is my greatest inspiration. Her strength shaped who I am today.”
– Jerilyn B., Medical Assistant
We know that sharing these stories helps girls, students, and professionals see what’s possible. It’s the same mission behind projects like the Smithsonian Institution’s women’s history collections and platforms like the Discoverability Lab, which help amplify underrepresented voices.
Visibility matters. And when we center women’s stories, we shift the mainstream narrative to include truth, complexity, and faith in the next generation.
Legacy, Leadership, and the Cannabis Connection
The cannabis movement has its unsung heroes, like Mary Jane Rathbun (Brownie Mary), who distributed edibles to AIDS patients long before it was safe or legal. She challenged laws and working conditions, not for profit, but to help people live with dignity.
Modern advocates like Wanda James, the first Black woman to open a dispensary in Colorado, continue this work. Their efforts reflect the heart of Women’s History Month: courage, connection, and economic justice.
Their stories, and many more, are featured in Cannabis Queens by Melanie Wentzel – a vibrant and compelling collection highlighting influential women shaping the cannabis industry worldwide. Through their stories, the book explores the plant’s political, medical, and cultural transformation.
Advice from the Women of DocMJ
This month is also about course correction, ensuring women aren’t just included, supported, encouraged, and paid fairly for their labor. That’s why we asked our team what they’d say to other women entering the cannabis space.
“Don’t let people get in your head. There’s room to do what you love and be good at it in this industry.”
– Liz L., Medical Assistant
“Be yourself. There’s space for every kind of person here.”
– Audrey D., Director of Digital Content
“Build strong connections with other women. Support each other and grow together.”
– Kathleen S., Special Projects Manager
It’s advice rooted in lived experience and the wisdom that shapes society for the better.
This Month and Always
Women’s History Month is about honoring the past, owning the present, and investing in the future. It’s about recognizing the women whose names are etched in textbooks and those whose birth, brilliance, and bravery shaped communities, homes, and America itself.
At DocMJ, we’re proud to work alongside women who continue this legacy every day through care, advocacy, leadership, and heart.
This March, we don’t just celebrate women. We recognize them, support them, and ensure that their stories are never lost again.
Empowered Women, Empowering Your Healing Journey
At DocMJ, our women-led team is here to guide you with expert medical cannabis evaluations, education, and ongoing support. We believe healing starts with being heard, and we’re ready to help you take the next step in your wellness journey. Schedule your appointment today and experience personal, professional, and empowering care.
Meet Christie, a dedicated writer and passionate advocate for medical cannabis. Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Osteoarthritis (OA), Interstitial Lung Disease, and Pulmonary Fibrosis, Christie has found profound relief through the versatile world of medical cannabis. An advocate for holistic healing, with a deep belief in the power of cannabis, Christie shares insights to empower others seeking alternative solutions.