The rise of cannabis legalization across the United States has thrust delivery services into the limelight, not only as convenient distribution channels but also as platforms for advancing gender and racial equity. Operators led by women and minorities are increasingly taking the helm, injecting fresh perspectives into an industry long dominated by white male entrepreneurs.
According to a 2023 MJBizDaily survey, women made up 39 % of cannabis executives while BIPOC leaders accounted for 24 %—a return to pre-pandemic levels following a sharp decline in 2020–22. However, ownership tells a more complex story: female entrepreneurs held only 16 % of ownership positions, a significant drop from previous years, whereas BIPOC ownership rose modestly to 18.7 %. This disparity is especially evident in delivery services, where regulatory barriers, limited capital access, and licensing hurdles disproportionately impact women and minority founders.
In Denver, a pioneering policy required dispensaries to use social-equity-certified delivery operators. Though only nine of 206 dispensaries participated by 2022, the move signaled a commitment to uplift marginalized entrepreneurs. Denver’s example underscores the potential of targeted licensing to catalyze inclusion in delivery infrastructure.
Across the industry, advocacy organizations are key to these gains. Women Grow—a national nonprofit—has cultivated leadership opportunities through mentorship, political advocacy, and grant programs tailored to female entrepreneurs. In conjunction, groups like Supernova Women and Cannaclusive focus on connecting people of color to capital and licensing resources.
The lived experiences of leaders further illuminate the impact of diverse delivery startups. Brooklyn-based “Weed Auntie” Solonje Burnett—identified by a leading queer publication as a prominent Black entrepreneur—co-founded Erven, a data transparency firm that supports smaller cannabis operators in tracking and analyzing their delivery logistics. Burnett emphasizes that when consumers choose minority- and women-owned brands, they wield “political power” that can rebalance the industry.
Similarly, Rowshan Reordan launched Green Leaf Lab, the first woman-founded cannabis testing lab certified by WBENC, aiming to ensure product safety for delivery customers. Though not a delivery service per se, such enterprises are integral to the broader delivery ecosystem, guaranteeing consumer trust and compliance.
Despite progress, challenges persist. Minority entrepreneurs—Black founders in particular—constitute only 1.2–1.7 % of cannabis business owners, far below their population share. Women also face persistent funding gaps: while they command strong representation in marketing and testing, they struggle disproportionately with access to capital in dispensary and delivery verticals.
Industry experts suggest several strategic interventions: exclusive delivery licensing for social-equity applicants, equitable grant and loan pools, and targeted mentorship. Organizations like Women Grow are already spearheading funding initiatives through newly established foundations and policy advocacy efforts aimed at the upcoming 2025–26 election cycle.
Ultimately, delivery services owned by women and minorities do more than serve products—they foster social justice. By ensuring consumers receive safe, regulated cannabis while also uplifting historically excluded communities, these businesses help transform the industry’s cultural and economic landscape. As legal cannabis continues its rapid growth, bolstering equity at the delivery level will be critical in achieving a truly inclusive future.