The Power To Change Stigma: Leading with Advocacy, Equity, and Action

Chelsea Haskins is Director of State and Local Licensing, Perfect Union.

By Chelsea Haskins

Working in a male-dominated industry presents challenges, but I’ve used them as fuel to lead, advocate, and drive meaningful change. As a woman in cannabis, my commitment to expanding safe access, advancing policy reform, and amplifying operators' voices has shaped my career. I’ve helped push the industry forward by increasing business opportunities, advocate for fair regulations, and created pathways for sustainable growth.

As Director of State and Local Licensing for MWG Holdings Group, I’ve helped expand safe, legal cannabis access in communities previously reliant on the illicit market. Beyond licensing, I advocate for fair consumption policies, equitable regulations, and tax structures that support sustainable industry growth. Every decision I make is driven by a commitment to building a stronger, more transparent cannabis industry that benefits both businesses and the communities they serve.

At the national level, I serve as Chair of the National Cannabis Industry Association's Cannabis Cultivation Committee, where I amplify the voice of growers and help develop, promote, and distribute best practices in cannabis cultivation. While women remain vastly underrepresented in cultivation, I’m proud to lead a committee that is equally comprised of women and men, ensuring diverse perspectives help shape the industry’s future. I’ve also lobbied in Washington, D.C., meeting with legislators to advance federal cannabis reform, SAFE/SAFER Banking, and 280E tax relief—critical policies that will shape the future of cannabis businesses nationwide.

Women deserve a voice in cannabis leadership, and I’m committed to ensuring that we’re not just included but heard and respected. Through my work, I’m helping to shift policies, change perceptions, and create pathways for others to rise. I’m not waiting for permission, and I’m not holding back. The cannabis industry is evolving, and I’m here to ensure that evolution includes strong, capable women leading the way.

Chelsea Haskins at the ribbon-cutting grand opening of Perfect Union.

Chelsea Haskins is Director of State and Local Licensing, Perfect Union. https://www.instagram.com/perfectunion_/ ; https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelseahaskins123/ ; https://www.perfect-union.com