Women Love Weed and Weed Loves Women: An ode to women-owned cannabis brands in NYS.
There’s no secret: women make better weed. Since the legalization of cannabis in NYS in 2021, more than one hundred cultivators have popped up throughout the state. From farmers foraying into cannabis to folx previously incarcerated under cannabis charges, an underground industry is finally being given a chance to build itself into a state-wide recreational haven. With this increase in cultivators, more than a dozen female-owned brands have raised the bar for what to expect when cultivating and copping. Aside from their distinct packaging and approach, these three brands stand out for their whole-hearted approach to a resilient and wonderful plant.
LA-based brand Angel Therapy made the foray into cannabis from clothing, quickly standing out with its potent floral and fruity strains, kept in matte packaging with coloring reminiscent of Trix yogurts from my childhood (my favorite flavor was cotton candy). With three strains available at Gotham, Angel Therapy combines botanicals with buds to deliver the theology outlined by Doreen Virtue, but completely non-denominational. The therapy here is in the bag: with dense aromatic and visually appealing buds, you’ll soon schedule several visits a week with your new therapist (with no need for those awkward first few sessions).
Fave Buds:
Vacation Forever Indica - Banana Party Hybrid
Hudson Cannabis is a revered brand recognized for its diverse selection of premium cannabis offerings tailored for New York State. From dimes and ounces to moonrocks and hash coins, Hudson Cannabis is known for its unwavering dedication to quality, thoughtfully choosing each strain, grown with the consideration of the minor cannabinoids and their overall contribution to the “entourage effect.”
With a family rooted in agriculture, Hudson Cannabis co-CEOs Freya and Melany Dobson have a distinct, lifelong history with Mary Jane. With Hudson Valley Hemp, Cannabis was harvested for its CBD properties, paired with botanicals to create a sensation of relief without psychoactive effects. With the legalization of Cannabis in 2021, Hudson Valley Hemp branched out into Hudson Cannabis, the delightful supplier of my favorite moon rocks and the soon-to-be-mine Cherry Kush cartridge, containing minor cannabinoids without jacking up the price point to an absurd amount.
Hudson Cannabis does not play around with its buds. Grown alongside home staples like tomatoes, chamomile, lavender, and more, Hudson Cannabis’ terroir is a robust and lively one, feeding into Mother Mary as their staple strains bloom into longtime favorites
Fave Buds:
Cosmic Cake Hybrid - Green’d Gary Sativa Hybrid- Farmer’s Blend Hybrid
A sub-sect of The Farmer Group, Florist Farms does what I love the most: Companion Planting. Growing alongside Chamomile, Daisies, and various vegetables, cannabis grows protected and well-nourished. Protected by plants like Chrysanthemum, Garlic, and Lemon Balm (all known as natural rest repellants for cannabis) buds grow encased by protection, eliminating the need for pesky pesticides that end up rolled and smoked in our joints. Including Basil, many plants are planted alongside cannabis to promote terpene growth, which provides for a stronger smell, smoke, and effect. The best result: a colorful, yummy-smelling garden providing botanicals that you can drink (in a tea), roll, or smoke!
With a dedicated team revolving around the extraction of THC and minor cannabinoids, Florist Farms provides a true-to-strain experience from flower to concentrate, culminating in a clean, consistent, and tasty smoking experience. Branching into their other brands (Blotter, Head & Heal, and Tune), consumers know they can expect a constant, yummy high.
Fave Buds:
Purple Punch Indica- La Bomba Sativa - Durban Poison Sativa
I’ll say this again: women make better weed. Whether you’re buying from these three brands or the others out there (40 Tons, Miss Grass, etc.), you’re sure to get an experience that is not only pleasant to your nostrils but grown with total care; plants can produce their best buds in an environment surrounded with support. I don’t think I’ve been so pleased with the consistent quality of these brands, be it flowers, disposables, edibles, or concentrates, so much so that I refrain from buying other brands. However, I must keep my options open, and other cultivators are always coming into the game. Regardless, the message remains clear: Buy Weed From Women. I know which three brands I can always turn back to when I receive a clogged cartridge or dry flower.
Happy Shopping!
