In a sector often dominated by traditional male-led infrastructure firms, a dynamic shift is underway: women are emerging as trailblazers in the U.S. cannabis shipping and logistics industry. Combining leadership, innovation, and advocacy, female executives and entrepreneurs are forging new paths in a space historically undervalued—and underrepresented.
Redefining logistics: women at the helm
Industry veterans like Shelby Griebel (VP of Operations), Rachel Gath (Distribution Manager), and Emily Willis (VP of Supply Chain) at Northeast Alternatives exemplify this trend. When interviewed for International Women’s Day, all emphasized not only operational efficiency but also inclusive workplace cultures—showcasing the breadth and depth of female leadership in cannabis logistics. Their presence signals that the complex world of warehousing, transportation, and regulatory compliance is no longer a male-only domain.
From distribution to data
Beyond day-to-day logistics, women are reshaping how the cannabis supply chain operates. Caroline Lalonde—who transitioned from apparel distribution to cannabis—has leveraged her background to streamline national networks and refine supply-chain best practices. Meanwhile, Rowshan Reordan shattered barriers in quality-control logistics as founder of Green Leaf Lab, the first woman‑owned, WBENC‑certified cannabis testing lab in the U.S.; this integration of testing and logistics ensures product safety in transit.
A broader ecosystem push
Women’s leadership resonates further upstream. Organizations like Women Grow, founded by Jane West in 2014, focus on equipping female cannabis professionals with tools to influence policy, access capital, and claim leadership roles—crucial supports for logistics entrepreneurs who must navigate licensing frameworks, inter-state transportation laws, and compliance audits. Their mentorship and advocacy efforts directly fuel growth for women-led logistics firms.
Linking diversity to performance
Emerging research confirms a correlation between female leadership and firm success. A study of adult-use cannabis markets found city governments with more women leaders were less likely to reject cannabis business initiatives—and companies with women in senior roles posted higher retail sales. This data underscores how women in logistics translate into more robust distribution networks and smarter, safer delivery systems.
Voices from the field
Leah Heise, a powerhouse logistics strategist and regulatory attorney, emphasized the importance of networked problem-solvers in cannabis. Her work on vault automation and POS logistics highlighted both consumer benefits and security enhancements—demonstrating how women can pioneer safer and more efficient cannabis transit models.
Industry feedback points the way
Logistics conferences are bearing witness to transformation. For instance, women’s involvement at major global logistics forums, including WCAworld, doubled over the past five years—reaching 30% of attendees in 2025—highlighting an industry hungry for diverse perspectives. This surge signals increasing demand for female-led logistics providers who can meet evolving cannabis compliance standards.
In Review
Women are no longer peripheral in cannabis logistics—they are central. From quality control and distribution networks to leadership in compliance and advocacy, their influence spans every stage. As female-led logistics firms continue to demonstrate operational excellence, the broader cannabis industry stands to benefit from greater equity, innovation, and safety in shipping and delivery.