This exhibition explores the significant, yet often overlooked, contributions of women throughout history and in the modern day to the world of cannabis. It highlights how women are currently advancing the industry and reshaping its image from recreation to medicine and beyond.
Amsterdam’s Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum presents ‘We are Mary Jane: Women of Cannabis’, an exhibition that pays tribute to the female contribution in the history of the world’s most versatile plant, from prehistoric times to the present day. In recent years, women have become increasingly influential in the legal cannabis industry, holding a greater share of executive positions than in many other U.S. industries combined. This exhibition delves into how women from diverse backgrounds are closing the gender gap and shaping this evolving field across recreation, medicine, sustainability, and business. It features medical marihuana products from Whoopi and Maya, artfully designed pipes from Stonedware, and hemp clothing by Studio Jux. Historically, women were integral to the cultivation and processing of hemp, as depicted in artworks, and ancient cultures venerated goddesses like Ma Gu. Modern pioneers such as Mila Jansen and Mary Rathbun (Brownie Mary) paved the way for cannabis accessibility and medicinal use. The exhibition also includes a photographic series by Maria Cavali, '1042 – We Are Mary Jane,' celebrating the diversity of Amsterdam's cannabis culture.