Breaking Ground: Indigenous Women Pioneering the Cannabis Industry

Reservations across the United States serve as both havens of tribal sovereignty and battlegrounds for navigating complex relationships with federal and state governments. Within these communities, a quiet revolution is unfolding as Indigenous women reclaim their heritage through the cultivation and distribution of cannabis. Their journey is not merely about profit but is deeply intertwined with cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and economic empowerment.

Mary Jane Oatman stands at the forefront of this movement. A member of the Nez Perce and Delaware tribes and the COO and Executive Director of the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Alliance (ICIA), Oatman is leading efforts to ensure that the cannabis industry respects Mother Earth and benefits future generations. Through the ICIA, she hosts events that amplify Indigenous entrepreneurs working in cannabis, emphasizing sustainable and regenerative farming practices.

Oatman envisions a future where Indigenous tribes collaborate cooperatively, transcending capitalist paradigms to prioritize human and environmental well-being. She believes that by uniting tribal nations and advocating for cannabis legalization at the federal level, Indigenous communities can shape their own destiny and build a more resilient future.

The legacy of the War on Drugs still casts a long shadow over Indigenous communities, but Oatman remains undeterred. Drawing inspiration from her own family’s history, including her grandmother’s incarceration for cannabis cultivation in the 1980s, Oatman sees the liberation of cannabis as a means to reclaim tribal sovereignty and heal intergenerational trauma.

For Oatman, success in the cannabis industry goes beyond mere profitability. It lies in reclaiming cultural narratives, creating sustainable economic opportunities, and challenging the status quo. She urges Indigenous entrepreneurs to find their unique path in this nascent industry, whether through plant-touching ventures or ancillary services like media and marketing.

The challenges facing Indigenous communities in the cannabis space are multifaceted, ranging from jurisdictional disputes with state governments to the lingering stigma of drug prohibition. Yet, Oatman remains optimistic, pointing to tribes like the Lower Sioux Indian Community and their innovative use of hempcrete for sustainable housing as examples of Indigenous resilience and ingenuity.

Another trailblazer in the Indigenous cannabis movement is Lindsey Renner, founder of Native Humboldt Farms. Renner’s journey from third-generation farmer to cannabis entrepreneur is a testament to the power of reclaiming ancestral lands and revitalizing regenerative farming practices. Through her brand, Renner aims to elevate the quality and integrity of cannabis products while advocating for fair testing practices and equitable market access for small farmers.

As consumers, we have the power to uplift Indigenous-owned brands and support sustainable farming practices. By choosing to purchase from companies like Native Humboldt Farms and prioritizing quality over quantity, we can contribute to a more diverse and equitable cannabis industry.

In the face of ongoing challenges and uncertainties, Indigenous women like Mary Jane Oatman and Lindsey Renner embody resilience, determination, and hope. Their work not only reshapes the cannabis landscape but also offers a blueprint for reclaiming heritage, fostering community empowerment, and building a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.