Stepping onto the red carpet at the Latinas in Cannabis Summit, I knew we were in for
something special. The bold “Latinas in Cannabis” backdrop with presenting sponsor Zig-Zag welcomed us, and before we even began exploring the event, we received a gift bag stuffed with generous contributions from sponsors. It was clear that this summit wasn’t just about attendance — it was about uplifting a vibrant community.
Right off the bat, the scene was set. The food truck parked in the courtyard was not just
any regular stop for sustenance, it was Latina Owned Pink & Boujee, a beloved Los Angeles food truck known for its pink tortillas. Their iconic aesthetic and flavorful food added a lighthearted yet chic vibe to the gathering. With vendors stationed around the courtyard and a MOTA Glass featured consumption lounge, attendees were encouraged to engage, relax, and connect in a space that embraced the very plant that united us all.
The event was hosted by Susie Plascencia, founder of Latinas in Cannabis and owner of MOTA Glass, a Latina and veteran-owned glass company specializing in high-quality, locally-blown pieces. Susie has been instrumental in creating spaces that empower Latinas in the cannabis industry. Her leadership made this summit a beacon of unity, education, and advocacy, bringing together inspiring panelists, vendors, and attendees. With Susie at the helm, this event continues to solidify its place as an essential gathering for the community.
The panels were packed with inspiration, passion, and actionable insights. Monica Aristizabal hit home with her call-to-action as she detailed Edwin Rubis’ case and the efforts of Freedom Grow and Beard Bros Pharms in spearheading the movement for his release.
Her presentation was a plea for unity and active participation in a cause that affects so many in the Latino and cannabis community. It reminded us of the work still left to do, and how we can all play a role in the larger fight for justice.
On the panel titled Latinas in Cannabis: Destigmatizing and Creating Community, Adelia Carrillo, the powerhouse behind EventHi and host of Blunt Brunch, emphasized the importance of building and finding community within this space. “There’s community for everyone,” she proclaimed, and she was right—this summit was living proof. Everywhere I turned, there was a conversation waiting to happen, a connection waiting to be made.
I also had the privilege of speaking with JM Balbuena, a Navy veteran, author, and advocate. I was curious to know what sparked her international advocacy for the plant, and her response was moving. Her global travels, during which she documented women breaking stereotypes and advocating for cannabis, inspired her book, Green Renaissance. Her work highlights that cannabis is not just a movement in the U.S.—it’s
global, and women worldwide are at the forefront.
One standout panel was the Canna Mamahood: Confronting Stigma in the Home, Community and Workplace panel, featuring Renée Morales of Puff and Parlay, who spoke candidly about balancing life as a public figure, creator, and mother while also running a business that partners with both cannabis and non-cannabis brands. Her perspective on embracing dualities in her professional and personal life resonated with many in the audience. Dennise Mejia-Guerrero of the International Cannabis Business Women’s Association (ICBWA) took the conversation to another level, focusing on “bossing up” as an international corporate businesswoman and instilling those values in her children.
At the Sales Reinas: Accelerating Careers in Cannabis Sales panel, sales executive Alyssa Ontiveros provided powerful advice, encouraging attendees to focus on centering themselves emotionally to truly discover what they want from the cannabis industry. It was a timely reminder for those who feel pulled in different directions to realign with their purpose.
The workshops were a highlight of the day, offering attendees valuable insights and hands-on experiences. Sonia Hendrix, founder of Gallery PR, led an engaging session on integrating marketing and public relations with cannabis, underscoring the power of education and strategic branding to shift mainstream perceptions of the plant. Next, attendees got to explore the power of Latina empowerment and the role of civic engagement in advancing social justice and political change with Jacqueline Hernández MPH, CHES® during her workshop titled, Latina Votes Blaze The Trail for Change.
Later in the afternoon, Sue Carlton of Ranchera Familia Farms captivated the audience with the summit’s first-ever interactive Demo that brought the essence of cultivation to life. Attendees left not only with their own plants, seeds, and newfound knowledge, but also with smiles all around. The day concluded perfectly with a lively session and raffle giveaway, where sponsors and community members shared in the spirit of giving back, reinforcing the bonds within this thriving network.
The summit isn’t just a one-off celebration. The event, set to return for a third installment next year, is a testament to the momentum growing in the Latinas in Cannabis community. It’s not just about networking—it’s about carving out space, creating opportunity, and advocating for a future where women in cannabis thrive.
For me, personally, the most fulfilling aspect was the opportunity to engage with so many passionate individuals. Interviewing panelists and attendees reminded me that the potential in this space is enormous, and events like this are the fuel to that fire. We’re not just here for today, we’re building a future where Latinas in Cannabis will continue to lead, inspire, and educate the world.
The Latinas in Cannabis Summit is a testament to the growth of our community, and events like these are necessary for continuing to push boundaries, break stereotypes, and create space for women in the industry. As we look forward, the connections made at this annual event will serve as a catalyst for even greater change.
Photos Courtesy of Lidia Ochoa @lucidlidia
About The Author
Creator and Social Media Consultant Victoria Burkard is a passionate creator, social media consultant, and advocate with over seven years of experience in the cannabis community and as a consumer since 2008. She focuses on educating the public through content awareness, roll classes, and consulting on social media strategies for cannabis brands. A key aspect of her work involves networking and sharing community events through the BWB hotlist and her community interview series, which highlight local culture and drive engagement. With a background in both freelance art and corporate pharmaceuticals, Victoria brings a unique dual perspective to her work, representing women entrepreneurs in the cannabis space. She excels at building bridges between corporate and creative, helping brands cultivate authentic engagement while elevating community voices. Victoria’s content is representative of the cannabis culture’s hope for legalization, and she’s committed to fostering strong connections within the community. Through her platform, she amplifies diverse voices, advocating for education, inclusivity, and sustainable growth in the industry.
