EDITOR’S NOTE: Watch “Dr. Sanjay Gupta Reports: Weed 8: Women and Weed” at 8 p.m. ET Sunday, April 19, on CNN and streaming on the CNN app on April 20.
When I began filming the first “Weed” documentary in 2012, I could not predict the journey that lay ahead—nor the ongoing stories that would emerge long after my exploration into cannabis.
Initially, I believed I was creating a single, self-contained film about a controversial plant and its role in modern medicine. What I soon discovered was that this marked the start of an evolving dialogue about hope, healing, and who is taken seriously in discussions surrounding medical marijuana.
Focus on Women and Cannabis
Over the past year, I have traveled nationwide, filming the eighth installment in this decade-long series, centering on women and cannabis—a topic that feels both timely and overdue.
During my travels, I learned that cannabis has become a vital resource for countless women who feel overlooked by traditional medical approaches. These include grandmothers alleviating cancer treatment side effects, athletes managing endometriosis, and teachers grappling with menopause-related challenges. Commonly, I encountered the sentiment: “I tried everything else, and nothing worked. Cannabis was the only relief.”
This narrative reflects a longstanding history of women’s health concerns being minimized or dismissed. As a young physician, I witnessed this firsthand with my mother and, years later, with my wife. Conditions often attributed to stress or hysteria—such as autoimmune diseases and postpartum depression—remain under-discussed. Currently, women continue to be underrepresented in clinical trials, despite biological sex significantly influencing medication efficacy.
In menopause, the challenges are particularly acute. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), previously seen as a viable option, has faced controversies, prompting many women to seek alternatives such as cannabis. Evidence shows that women now surpass men in cannabis use, particularly among middle-aged and older demographics.
A Quiet Revolution
The stories I gathered during the past year reflect a profound movement toward being acknowledged.
A notable location for this transformation has been Oklahoma. Once home to stringent drug laws, the state is affectionately dubbed “Tokelahoma.” The legalization of medical marijuana has birthed a burgeoning industry, characterized by local, female-led initiatives fueled by determination and a community-oriented spirit.
During my journey, I encountered women who have become unexpected entrepreneurs. One significant story is of April, a mother who transitioned from real estate to producing cannabis-infused edibles for chronic pain management. Another is Bonnie, who develops strains targeting issues like sexual dysfunction. Ebony, a trained chef, has emerged as a community doula and cannabis educator, integral to a support network known as cannamoms.
What resonated with me was the mission-driven focus of these women. For them, cannabis signifies not an escape from reality, but a means of reclaiming autonomy.
Rewriting the Narrative
These women are reshaping the conversation around cannabis, backed by scientific research, with an emphasis on creating products tailored for women based on empathy and experimentation. This movement is born not from corporate entities but from kitchens, home gardens, and local dispensaries.
Simultaneously, the broader dialogue surrounding medical marijuana is evolving rapidly. Major medical organizations have begun advocating for a reassessment of cannabis’ classification as a Schedule I drug, asserting that its medical applications are increasingly undeniable. Research into cannabinoids for various conditions—including neurological disorders and chronic pain—manifests women’s leadership within this field, with pioneers like Dr. Staci Gruber and Dr. Hilary Marusak advancing critical studies.
Nevertheless, while scientific progress accelerates, policy lags behind, resulting in a human cost that cannot be overlooked.
Impactful Stories
One pivotal story is that of Charlotte Figi, a young girl with Dravet syndrome whose severe seizures were dramatically reduced through a high-CBD cannabis extract. Her experience shed light on the genuine medical potential of cannabis, making the issue deeply personal. Following her story has shaped my understanding of this plant and its potential to change lives.
As I reflect on Charlotte’s legacy, it reminds me that meaningful change often starts with an individual brave enough to challenge the status quo.
The women I’ve met throughout this past year embody that same spirit. Together, they are cultivating something far greater than individual products; they are nurturing a movement grounded in fundamental beliefs—namely, that women’s pain matters, women’s research matters, and the journey to progress often begins in the most unexpected places.