Why More Women Are Choosing High-End Dispensaries

Women are steadily becoming one of the most influential groups in the modern cannabis industry. Today, we control an estimated 85% of purchasing decisions, from household spending to wellness trends and lifestyle products. In the post-COVID market, the same qualities women value in the skincare and nutrition industries apply to the emerging cannabis space.

Demand for legitimate, regulated dispensaries is rising, too. With better education and safer access, today’s consumers have a better understanding of compounds like THC and CBD. The appeal of cannabis extends beyond the novelty and stigma surrounding it when the recreational market launched. Today, women are among the growing number of consumers who turn to cannabis with a focus on wellness, quality, and experience.

As cannabis consumers and the industry as a whole continue evolving, many women prioritize dispensaries that feel approachable, well-run, and mindful. In newer markets like New York, these values elevate boutiques like Maryjane Cannabis Company, one of many dispensaries designed with care and intention: by women, for women.

Changing Consumer Behavior Among Women

Overall, consumer shopping habits are changing. Capital One found women spend more time shopping and researching their purchases, and they’re increasingly buying based on values.

COVID also pushed the health and wellness industry forward. The global wellness economy grew from $5 trillion in 2019 to $6.8 trillion in 2024, according to the Global Wellness Institute. By 2029, it’s projected to grow to $9.8 trillion. Mental wellness saw some of the largest growth from 2019 to 2024, reflecting the rising emphasis on self-care and emotional well-being alongside physical health.

Moving forward, new reform efforts could destigmatize cannabis further and reveal more insights into its medicinal benefits. For example, a December 2025 executive order aims to reschedule cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III. This change would increase research opportunities, further expanding our current understanding of cannabis as a tool to support health and well-being.

With better access to education, women and other consumers are shaping the cannabis industry by prioritizing their individual needs.

As women’s buying power in cannabis grows, brands are steadily shifting to align with personal values like clean ingredients, transparency, and sustainability. This influence extends to the dispensary experience itself, with a rise in cannabis boutiques that center on welcoming, upscale, and design-forward environments.

Many dispensaries initially embraced a transactional pharmacy style, prioritizing shelf space and speedy transactions over all else. Today, boutiques like Maryjane are much more common, offering a comfortable setting focused on quality, efficacy, and transparency. Elevated packaging, brand storytelling, and intentional product curation resonate with women who value products that reflect their lifestyle.

How Women Are Using Cannabis

Women have their own range of needs, goals, and passions in life. Cannabis can help explore every aspect, whether we’re after physical or mental wellness, social connection, or simply a little fun.

Cannabis is often used to help manage menstrual pain, cramps, and chronic discomfort. While some products are active and stimulating, cannabis menstrual products are designed to soothe the body with curated formulas — like Papa & Barkley’s 1:1:1 CBD/THC/CBN tincture blend.

It’s best viewed as a complementary tool—something that can work alongside medical care rather than replace it. Low-and-slow dosing and clearly labeled cannabinoid ratios are especially important when shopping.

Sleep is especially critical for women, as hormonal cycles, life stages, and daily responsibilities can all impact rest and recovery. Thoughtful nighttime rituals, like sipping some herbal tea or reading in bed, can help signal the body that it’s time to rest. Options like The Green Lady’s Nightcap Gummies add an extra dimension to wellness routines, as consistency, intention, and moderation matter just as much as the product itself.

Many women are choosing cannabis for connection rather than intoxication. Low-dose products may feel more approachable and functional. They can still enhance mood, confidence, and relaxation, all while supporting intimacy and meaningful social interactions. Cannabis beverages like Green Revolution’s Dopio Vanilla Cold Brew are particularly popular, offering a social-friendly format that feels less intimidating and unpredictable.

From infused Olive Oil to Chocolates and Drinks, cooking with cannabis unlocks creativity and control. When done thoughtfully, infused meals and beverages can be enjoyed in balanced doses that complement both flavor and experience—turning cannabis into part of a broader lifestyle, not just a momentary escape.

Women-Led & Women-Loved Brands at Maryjane

At Maryjane, we carry a wide range of products, and we value working with local and national brands led by women. Here are some of the woman-led brands we carry in our dispensaries.

Her Highness

Founded by Allison Krongard and Laura Eisman, Her Highness is designed through a female lens with products addressing both pain and pleasure through their thoughtfully crafted formulas.

Her Highness is built on clean, premium materials and naturally derived ingredients (never parabens, sulfates, phthalates, or aluminum). Every aspect of the brand reflects the founders’ shared mission to reverse stigma and bring cannabis to women on their own terms.

grön

Founded in 2015 by Christine Apple, a mother and architect-turned-chocolatier, Grön brings precision, creativity, and care to a category once dominated by homemade treats and guesswork.

Christine’s background in architecture deeply informs Grön’s approach: balanced doses, elegant composition, sustainability, and an emphasis on building community through shared experiences. Driven by its resilient team culture, Grön’s mission is simple yet powerful: to make the world more delicious, one perfectly dosed bite at a time.

EATON Botanicals

Eaton Botanicals is a wellness-centric cannabis brand named for its historic organic farm in Eaton, New York. Here, founders planted the state’s first legal hemp seed in over 80 years and set out to redefine how cannabis supports health and daily life.

Eaton Botanicals partners with Indigo Wellness Group to develop its gummy formulations. Indigo’s all-women team of integrative medicine practitioners is known for its compassionate, personalized approach to whole-body well-being. Together, the partners blend curated ingredients with intentional dosing to promote functional benefits for consumers.

Camino

Kiva was co-founded by Kristi Knoblich Palmer and her husband Scott Palmer. They started with early home-kitchen experiments, which steadily evolved into a pioneering cannabis edible company. Today, Kiva is one of the top edibles brands in the industry known for precision dosing and premium ingredients.

Under the Kiva brand umbrella, Camino centers mood-enhancing sensations alongside California’s iconic landscapes. The artful packaging and science-backed formulations help Camino stand out in the booming edible space, retaining Kiva’s broader focus on quality, consistency, and sustainability.

Shop Cannabis for Women at Maryjane Cannabis Co. in New York City

We’re always looking to support woman-owned businesses in the cannabis community . Stop by Maryjane to see what else is on the menu or talk to our staff about all things cannabis.

At Maryjane, you’ll find a welcoming, refined environment that feels more like a boutique or spa than a typical dispensary. We have knowledgeable budtenders trained to offer personalized recommendations with no pressured sales. And our products are organized by effect and intention (e.g., calm, creative, pain relief), not just strain names.

Women want an elevated experience and choose high-end dispensaries because of the combination of safety, education, and ambiance. This mirrors how we approach wellness and lifestyle choices across the board, so it’s no surprise we bring that energy to cannabis.

Maryjane’s Upper East Side boutique offers a thoughtfully curated environment where women (and all customers) can explore cannabis confidently and comfortably. Come check out our dispensary to let us know how we can help you.