5 “dirty ol women” who made history advocating for the medicinal benefits of cannabis
Women’s contributions to history are often overlooked or erased from the narrative. In honor of International Women’s Day, learn about the women who changed the course of history and cannabis legalization – from ancient China to the Haight-Ashbury in the 1990s.
Find out who was name-called a “dirty ol woman” by which impudent man in government, and who was the first to describe the female orgasm.
5 Women Who Pioneered Cannabis as Medicine
- Magu, the Daoist Hemp Goddess of Longevity
- Hildegard von Bingen
- Margaret Mead
- Allyn Howlett
- Mary Jane “Brownie Mary” Rathburn
Magu
(2700 BC) A legendary female Daoist deity (仙) symbolizing longevity and immortality, and renowned as a healer, alchemist, and guardian of women. Magu (麻姑) is a fusion of the Chinese words: “ma,” meaning “cannabis” or “hemp,” and “gu” which means “aunt” or “maid.”
Magu is a goddess of Mount Tai, China’s famous sacred mountain revered as a holy site that connects heaven and earth. On this mountain cannabis once grew in abundance, and this is where Magu was said to brew the elixir of life.
Known as Mago, Mako, and Mạc Đồng or Mạc Dực in Japan, Korea and Vietnam, Magu’s prominence shines brightest in China and her influence echoes through the ages through ancient art and scholarly writings. She’s often depicted carrying hemp plants in her basket and surrounded by symbols of longevity such as peaches, lingzhi fungus, or lotus flowers.
The earliest traces of Magu are found in the ancient text “Shenxian zhuan,” a biographical collection of immortals and Chinese Gods. The stories shed light on Magu’s profound significance and how the cannabis plant has been used in Chinese medicine for over 1,800 years, showcasing its long-standing significance.
Listen // “Meet Magu – China’s Ancient Hemp Goddess” on Great Moments in Weed History
Hildegarden von Bingen
(1098–1179) A German Benedictine nun and scholar who was the first medieval scholar to document the effects of cannabis and note its use in treating wounds and illnesses in her seminal work, Physica, which laid the groundwork for modern herbal medicine.
She grew cannabis in her garden, made tinctures and herbal remedies, and recommended applying a healing hemp cloth to soothe wounds, and eating hemp to reduce types of pain. She was also the first woman to describe the female orgasm – go Hilde!
“Its seeds are healthy and wholesome for people to eat. The plant also heals ulcers and wounds. It is easily absorbed by the body and diminishes bad humours, so that the good ones persist. For those who are healthy in the head and have a sound mind, it is not harmful.”
Margaret Mead
(1901-1978) Margaret Mead was a renowned anthropologist who testified before Congress in favor of the legalization of marijuana on October 27, 1969.
In her testimony, she said, “It is my considered opinion at present that marijuana is not harmful unless it is taken in enormous and excessive amounts. I believe that we are damaging this country, damaging our law, our whole law enforcement situation, damaging the trust between the older people and younger people by its prohibition, and this is far more serious than any damage that might be done to a few over-users, because you can get damage from any kind of overuse.”
After her testimony she was branded a “drug addict” in a media frenzy of outrage where columnists claimed Margaret “advocated for heroin for children,” and the Governor of Florida called her a “dirty old woman.” She went on to earn 28 honorary doctorates, and was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Why is it ALWAYS Florida?
Allyn Howlett
In 1988, Dr. Allyn Howlett, a biochemical neuropharmacologist, and her research team discovered the CB1 receptor, a critical part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
This discovery explained how cannabinoids like THC interact with the human brain, influencing everything from pain perception to mood regulation.
Her research laid the scientific foundation for the modern medical cannabis industry, helping millions worldwide understand how cannabis affects the body.
Watch // Dr. Howlett’s video on how to study c*nn*bis and how she discovered the CB1 receptor.
Mary Jane “Brownie Mary” Rathburn
(1922-1999) The mother of edibles. Mary Jane Rathburn, popularly known as Brownie Mary, was a hospital volunteer and cannabis medical rights activist/bake-tivist in San Francisco during the 1980s and 1990s.
A grandmotherly-looking figure, she was arrested for making and selling “magically delicious” brownies in 1981. She was sentenced with hundreds of hours of volunteer work. While volunteering at San Francisco General Hospital, she baked hundreds of pot brownies daily and gifted them to suffering AIDS and cancer patients to help ease their discomfort, increase appetite, and provide relief from the side effects and symptoms.
Her brownies helped show the medical benefits of cannabis and she lobbied for legalization with other pioneer activists. Brownie Mary helped open the first medical marijuana dispensary in the U.S., the San Francisco Cannabis Buyers Club. She became famous as the mother of modern day edibles, an AIDS activist, cannabis legalization pioneer. Brownie Mary’s pot brownies helped pave the way for the passage of Prop 215, which legalized medical marijuana in California in 1996.
A pot brownie is more than just a brownie. It’s a bite of American history.
Read // “Brownie Mary’s Marijuana Cookbook: Recipes for Social Change” by Dennis Peron and Mary Rathburn
Pioneering Women in Cannabis History was originally published on Fruit + Flower Unfurled, a Substack newsletter + podcast exploring the intersection where culinary meets cannabis.
Christina Wong is a cannabis food, drink and travel writer, culinary artist, and creative producer in Los Angeles, California. She’s the Founder & CEO of Fruit + Flower Co.; writes Fruit + Flower Unfurled, a weekly newsletter for culinary cannabis enthusiasts; co-host of Mogu Magu, an AAPI culture, food, and cannabis collective; and Budist edible critic. Her work has been featured in High Times, Cherry Bombe, CannaCurious, and Kitchen Toke magazines.
