Shannon Ross is the co-founder and CEO of Antidote Processing Inc. and is the co-founder of the Kootenay Cannabis Council. She also sits on the Craft Cannabis Economic Development Council of B.C. (Submitted photo/Shannon Ross)

By Jennifer Olson

gender equity

Awareness is the first step towards inclusive leadership in cannabis

May 31, 2024 | 8:00 AM

Achieving gender equity in cannabis leadership remains a challenge as sectors in Canada and other countries continue to adapt and grow. 

Addressing gender equity issues requires a well-rounded approach that includes raising awareness amongst male leaders in the industry. By encouraging men to increase the inclusion of women in decision-making processes, as well as investing more heavily in women-led initiatives, it’s possible to balance the scales and significantly improve leadership and businesses across the sector. 

Shannon Ross is the co-founder and CEO of Antidote Processing Inc., a grower-owned cannabis processing facility in Nelson, B.C. She is also the co-founder of the Kootenay Cannabis Council and sits on the Craft Cannabis Economic Development Council of B.C. 

Ross outlined what she feels to be the biggest hindrance in achieving balance for women entrepreneurs and those seeking leadership positions in the cannabis world. 

“I think one of the biggest factors is access to capital,” she stated. 

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“A lot of men typically are in a position of power in the economic world. Also, a lot of women don’t have the same access to loans because of a lack of access to assets. The financial barriers really don’t allow female business owners to scale.” 

Ross compared the differences between men and women in the workforce, taking into account societal expectations for women and traditional gender roles that are still emphasized today. She continued by offering solutions to gender inequity that are simple yet effective. 

“A lot of women don’t have the same economic and networking opportunities as men,” Ross stated. 

“Perhaps they need to care for their families or their children. When women can’t access networking opportunities due to family responsibilities or lack of capital [and] it definitely hinders their ability to grow their career and to move into more executive or decision making positions. A really simple, easy solution to help women feel more included is for men to ask women for their opinions and input. If men can just ask women what they think, that is the number one solution to creating change. The other thing is to invest in women and help women be more profitable. It all starts with men having that awareness that women don’t always have the assets and the same financial or schedule flexibility.” 

Ross stands by a unique business and leadership philosophy that considers the wellbeing of society, the planet and all citizens. 

“I feel that when you’re in a position of power, there’s a huge responsibility that comes with that power,” Ross shared. 

“When I look at the world around us right now, there are so many challenges in the economic world, not to mention the climate crisis. We really need to find balance and recreate an environment that is healthy for the future of the world. If men typically are in positions of power, especially on an economic level, I think there’s a responsibility that comes with that to help empower women around them and find alternative ways with outside-of-the-box assets. By finding ways to lift women up to have a more balanced world, women and men can work together to create a healthier, long-term sustainable world.” 

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