As we settle into the new year and National CBD Month / Dry January it's an exciting an exciting time to consider how CBD—a non-psychoactive compound of cannabis—can empower women and redefine hospitality for those seeking a non-alcoholic experience.
Restaurant / Bar owners Kelly Metras + Kelly Bush sat down women in Cannabis advocate Shelby Poole on the Getting Real with Bossy Podcast to get all the herbal tea on this emerging industry.
Key Takeaways:
Cannabis is shedding its stigmas, especially among women and mothers, seeking to normalize its use as a legitimate part of wellness and fun.
The hospitality industry stands at the precipice of innovation with cannabis, learning to incorporate it responsibly in businesses such as restaurants.
Education and advocacy are key to transitioning cannabis into mainstream acceptance and seamlessly intertwining it with existing social substances like alcohol.
Shifting the Narrative: Women Breaking the Cannabis Stigma 🌱
For decades, cannabis was overshadowed by stereotypes and misinformation, especially concerning women and mothers. Social norms often embraced alcohol as the go-to substance for unwinding, while cannabis was relegated to the sidelines.
However, women like Shelby Poole, founder of Betty Bloom Social Club, are challenging these outdated perceptions. Shelby is also the Director of Marketing at Happy Days Dispensary, where her creativity and passion drive her to build campaigns that unite communities and elevate the cannabis experience.
Beyond her professional roles, Shelby serves on the board of the NYS Restaurant Association, advocating for sustainable practices at the intersection of food, beverage, and cannabis.
The Cannabis Industry’s New Power Players
The law still varies by state, but in the state of New York, marijuana use and possession of up to three ounces on your person is legal, creating space for women entrepreneurs to break stigmas and reshape cannabis culture.
The cannabis industry isn’t just about consumption—it’s a thriving business sector with opportunities for innovation and leadership. Women entrepreneurs are taking the lead, from founding brands to managing dispensaries and hosting educational events. They’re building an industry that prioritizes wellness and inclusivity while redefining what leadership looks like in the cannabis space.
One standout example is the rise of women-led cannabis brands that cater specifically to female consumers. These brands focus on everything from stylish, discreet packaging to products that address women’s unique needs, like stress relief or menstrual pain.
By creating products that resonate with their audience, women entrepreneurs are proving that cannabis isn’t just about recreation—it’s about empowerment.
Community and Empowerment: A Seat at the Table 🌿
Cannabis is fostering a sense of community among women. Organizations like Betty Bloom Social Club are creating spaces for women to learn, connect, and advocate for cannabis normalization. These events often blend education with fun, offering everything from product demonstrations to discussions on responsible use and wellness benefits.
“Cannabis has the power to bring people together. It’s not just about the product; it’s about the connections we make and the conversations we start.” - Shelby Poole
Shelby’s mission with Betty Bloom Social Club is to normalize cannabis use in ways that empower women and mothers. She likens the movement to the Tupperware parties of the 1950s, where women gathered to network and build their own financial freedom.
These discussions are vital for paving the way to a more inclusive, stigma-free future, where cannabis can take its place as a legitimate option for wellness and connection with greater transparency, better regulations, and an emphasis on education to ensure that cannabis is accessible and understood by all.
Today, cannabis events offer a similar sense of community, with the added goal of normalizing cannabis as a wellness tool.
“Women are reclaiming cannabis as part of their self-care routines, as a way to relax, focus, or spark creativity. The more we talk about it, the more we dismantle the stigma.” - Shelby Poole
CBD in the Hospitality Industry ✨
The relationship between cannabis and the hospitality industry continues to grow, offering new opportunities for creativity and connection.
In the podcast episode (now available on YouTube) Shelby + Kelly Bush highlight how cannabis-infused beverages and CBD products could be seamlessly integrated into restaurants and lounges, sitting alongside more traditional offerings like cocktails or mocktails.
CBD’s versatility makes it an ideal addition to hospitality menus, appealing to guests who are looking for relaxation and balance without alcohol's side effects. For instance, non-alcoholic drinks paired with CBD offer a refreshing take on mindful indulgence.
The idea isn’t to replace alcohol but to create more inclusive options that reflect shifting cultural trends.
Building a Better Future 🌟
Women like Shelby Poole are leading the charge in normalizing cannabis and CBD use, creating a cultural shift that prioritizes balance, mindfulness, and personal choice. By challenging stigmas, creating inclusive spaces, and building businesses that reflect their values, women are proving that cannabis culture can be about empowerment, community, and the freedom to choose wellness on your terms.
So whether you’re sipping a CBD-infused drink, exploring new ways to relax, or simply curious about the green revolution, embrace change this January!
Here’s to a month of wellness, exploration and a little extra relaxation without the hangover.
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✨ Kelly Bush and Kelly Metras have built their careers supporting Rochester's small business community through BOSSY ROC—a network that empowers entrepreneurs with resources, guidance, and peer support.
Their podcast is an extension of their mission: to uplift others by sharing the highs and lows of the entrepreneurial journey.