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Cannabis Now

Basic Jane | July 18, 2019

From owning dispensaries, developing essential brands, providing invaluable resources to marginalized communities and more, these women are breaking glass ceilings and shaping the cannabis industry. This holiday season, consider doing what you can to support women in your life and in the cannabis space.

Cannabis Now

SUE TAYLOR

This trailblazer has taken it upon herself to be an advocate and educator for senior citizens who are interested in learning how to medicate with cannabis. At one time she was a principal for a Catholic school, but now she is a commissioner for aging in Alameda County and has been granted a license open a dispensary in Berkeley, which Taylor claims will be the first in the U.S. to focus on the needs of seniors. (For more on Sue Taylor, stay tuned for our upcoming “Medical Issue,” coming soon.)

THE DANK DUCHESS

Having learned and studied under artisan hashmaker Frenchy Cannoli, The Dank Duchess has become a force of her own in the cannabis world. She not only makes world class hashish, she also cultivates eclectic strains from California and Spain on her rooftop in East Oakland, writes about cannabis for various publications and travels internationally to procure top notch seeds for her grow.

JESSICA TONANI OF VERDA BIO & BASIC JANE

This brainy powerhouse is the co-founder of Verda Bio (a cutting-edge bio-tech company sequencing the cannabis genome) and Basic Jane (a line of plant-based topicals and essential oils) — two amazing brands that help in the science world, as well as the wellness industry. Based in Seattle, Tonani has helped write the legislation that allows cannabis research businesses to exist in Washington state.

THE HOOD INCUBATOR TEAM

Providing equity and education is the priority for founders Biseat Horning and Lanese Martin, who — along with their co-founder Ebele Ifedigbo — have created an organization that’s committed to building economic and political power for people of color in the cannabis industry. Through community organizing, policy advocacy and economic development, they’ve created resources like an apprenticeship program and are working with the Oakland City Council to implement the nation’s first cannabis equity program.

PRISCILLA VILCHIS OF CALI PREMIUM PRODUCE

With preliminary approval for her dispensary Cali Premium Produce in Los Angeles, Vilchis is set to become the first Latina to receive licenses for growing and manufacturing marijuana products in California. As the CEO of a successful dispensary in Las Vegas called “Queen of the Desert,” Vilchis has hopes of expanding her brand and working on educating older generations in the Hispanic community about the benefits of cannabis.

APRIL PRIDE OF VAN DER POP

Sensing a need for a brand that focuses on the lifestyle needs of women in cannabis, Pride developed an online brand that offers elegant wares and products along with female-focused content. The company just recently announced their partnership with Canadian licensed producer WeedMD to launch Van Der Pop Flower, their own line of branded strains.

DR. RACHEL KNOX & DR. JESSICA KNOX

Aside from making it on the cover of Marijuana Venture this year, these two sisters founded the American Cannabinoid Clinics (along with their doctor parents), which has four locations in Oregon. The sisters also created a website called TheCannaMDs, where they offer resources for clinicians, advocates and patients who need information about cannabis as medicine from licensed physicians. Rachel Knox is also the medical chair for the Minority Cannabis Business Association.

JACQUELINE MCGRANE

Jacqueline McGrane was recently featured in OUT FRONT Magazine as queer woman who is shattering the cannabis industry’s glass ceilings through her work as the owner of Cannabinoid Consulting in Colorado. The MIT and Colorado University-trained biologist makes award-winning hash that won at the 2013 THC Championship for Best Tested Hash, which tested above 98 percent THC. She is also featured in “Mary Janes: The Women of Weed,” a documentary about women ganjaprenuers.

ANDREA UNSWORTH, AMBER SENTER, SUNSHINE LENCHO & NINA PARKS OF SUPERNOVA WOMEN

These four trailblazers founded Supernova Women in 2015, but this year the organization has been picking up steam following their interview with NPRearlier this fall. Based in Oakland, California but with a national focus, they offer free educational seminars, host “expungement” clinics and provide resources to assist women of color in becoming shareholders in the cannabis economy. They’re also each been involved in other cannabis ventures, including collectives (StashTwist and Mirage Medicinal) and a brand that focuses on indica-dominant products (Leisure Life).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Oral CBD Products

What makes Basic Jane oral products different from other CBD edibles?

Basic Jane oral products are developed out of one of the first state-licensed cannabis research programs in the U.S. Every formula is designed by scientists with a focus on real-world use, consistent dosing, and meaningful results. All oral products are THC-free — so you get the benefits of cannabinoids without any psychoactive effects or concerns about drug testing.

Do Basic Jane oral products contain THC?

No. All Basic Jane oral products are 100% THC-free and are legally sold under the 2018 Farm Bill. They will not get you high and are designed for clear-headed, everyday wellness.

Which oral product is best for general pain and inflammation relief?

It depends on what you need! CBD Mints are a great everyday starting point — low-dose, gentle, and appropriate for any time of day. For stronger inflammation relief, Boost Mints contain both CBD and CBDA (the raw form of CBD), which provides an added boost for more significant discomfort. Both work systemically, meaning they support your whole body — not just one area.

What is the difference between CBD Mints and Boost Mints?

CBD Mints contain 5 mg of CBD per mint — a perfect microdose for consistent, all-day support. Boost Mints contain both CBD and CBDA for extra inflammation relief. Think of CBD Mints as your everyday companion and Boost Mints as your go-to when you need more firepower — particularly after a tough workout, a flare-up, or a harder day.

What are Refresh Chews best for?

Refresh Chews contain CBD, CBG, and terpenes, making them ideal for people who want to power through their day with more clarity and ease. They are designed to help reduce anxiety, support focus and energy, and keep you feeling your best without any jittery side effects. Perfect for busy mornings or an afternoon pick-me-up.

What are Passion Chews and who are they designed for?

Passion Chews are designed specifically for women — particularly post-menopausal women — to help them feel present, connected, and in the moment when they want to. They are thoughtfully formulated with women's hormonal health in mind and designed to support intimacy and overall well-being.

What are Night Caps and are they CBD?

Night Caps are actually cannabinoid-free. Instead, they contain a blend of hops (Humulus lupulus) and valerian (Valeriana officinalis) — two botanicals with a long history of traditional use as natural sleep aids. They are non-habit-forming and designed to help you wind down, fall asleep, and wake up refreshed. A wonderful option for anyone who prefers to keep their sleep routine free of cannabinoids.

Which oral product is best for sleep?

Night Caps are Basic Jane's dedicated sleep product and are the first recommendation for anyone struggling to get a good night's rest. Their blend of hops and valerian is non-habit-forming and designed specifically for sleep support. If you are also managing pain that interferes with sleep, pairing Night Caps with a CBD Mint or Boost Mint may provide broader comfort going into bedtime.

Which oral product is best for daytime use?

CBD Mints are perfect for any time of day — subtle, low-dose, and easy to take on the go. Refresh Chews are a standout daytime choice if you want an added edge: the CBD/CBG and terpene blend is designed to keep anxiety at bay and help you feel energized and focused. Both are discreet, minty, and easy to incorporate into your daily routine.

Which oral product is best for workout recovery?

Boost Mints are a great post-workout choice. The combination of CBD and CBDA works systemically throughout the body to support inflammation relief and recovery. Take one to two mints after exercise and give them 30–90 minutes to build. For faster, localized muscle relief right after a workout, consider pairing with a Relieve Cream or Relieve Gel topically as well.

Can I use oral and topical products together?

Yes — and many customers do. Topicals like the Relieve Cream, Relieve Gel, and Pain Sprays target localized areas like sore knees, shoulders, or back, while oral products like CBD Mints and Boost Mints provide systemic, whole-body support. Using both together is one of the most effective approaches for people managing chronic or widespread discomfort.

How Oral CBD Works

How is oral CBD different from topical CBD?

Topical CBD products work locally — you apply them directly to the area of discomfort and they interact with receptors in the skin and underlying tissue. Oral products are absorbed through digestion and work systemically, supporting your whole body rather than one specific area. This makes oral products especially valuable for conditions that are more widespread, internal, or mood- and sleep-related.

How long does it take for oral CBD products to work?

Oral products typically take 30–90 minutes to take effect, depending on your metabolism and whether you have eaten recently. Plan accordingly — they are not a rapid-response product in the way topicals are, but their effects last significantly longer.

How long do the effects of oral CBD last?

Effects from oral CBD products typically last 6–8 hours, making them a great choice for consistent, long-lasting support throughout the day or night.

What is CBDA and why is it in Boost Mints?

CBDA is the raw, unheated form of CBD found in the hemp plant. Research suggests it may have potent anti-inflammatory properties, and when combined with CBD, the two cannabinoids may work synergistically for enhanced effect. That is why Boost Mints contain both — to deliver extra support beyond what CBD alone can provide.

What is CBG and why is it in Refresh Chews?

CBG (cannabigerol) is sometimes called the "mother cannabinoid" because it is the precursor to other cannabinoids. It is being studied for its potential to support mood, energy, and focus. In Refresh Chews, CBG is combined with CBD and terpenes to create a formula specifically designed to help you feel clear-headed, calm, and energized.

Activity and Timing

When is the best time to take CBD Mints?

CBD Mints are designed for any time of day. Many customers take one in the morning as part of their wellness routine, another mid-afternoon, or after activity for recovery. Because each mint is a low 5 mg dose, you can adjust timing and quantity to fit your lifestyle. Start with one and see how your body responds.

When is the best time to take Boost Mints?

Boost Mints are best taken when you need more targeted inflammation support — after exercise, during a flare-up, or when you know a more demanding day is ahead. Because they contain both CBD and CBDA, they are more potent than standard CBD Mints and are ideal when everyday support is not quite enough.

When should I take Night Caps?

Take Night Caps about 30–60 minutes before bed to give the hops and valerian time to take effect. They are designed to help you relax, fall asleep naturally, and stay asleep through the night.