#43 - S5: E7 – Rachelle Gordon: From Arrest to Advocacy & Crafting the Stories That Drive Cannabis Forward

In this episode of Women in CannaBusiness, we sit down with Rachelle Gordon, Managing Editor of GreenState, to explore the deeply personal experiences that shaped her path into cannabis journalism and advocacy. A driving force behind Rachelle’s work is her passion for the medical potential of cannabis, especially for neurological conditions and seizure disorders. After watching her father struggle with his health without ever having access to cannabis as a potential option, in addition to being arrested for possession in Minnesota, she’s become committed to amplifying patient stories, lived experiences, and the real impact this plant can have. Rachelle shares how a 2011 arrest redirected her career from education into cannabis, ultimately leading her to become one of the most trusted voices in the space. Through storytelling and honest reporting, she’s helping shape a more informed, responsible, and human-centered cannabis industry. We also get into the conversations most people avoid, balancing advocacy with accountability, including the importance of educating consumers on both the benefits and risks, like Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome. This episode also explores what it really looks like to be a woman in cannabis today: navigating challenges, building confidence, and finding community in a still male-dominated industry. You’ll also hear: Practical advice for women entering cannabis: diversify your skillset and network intentionally The evolution of cannabis journalism and mainstream media How to balance multiple roles while protecting your mental health The importance of mentorship and preserving the stories of patients and those impacted by prohibition Where the industry is headed, from low-dose products to broader mainstream adoption Rachelle’s story is a reminder that advocacy isn’t just about policy—it’s about people, stories, and the voices that deserve to be heard. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Rachelle Gordon 02:18 – Background in education and 2011 arrest 04:17 – Career shift into cannabis advocacy 06:16 – Cannabis and neurological conditions 09:49 – Advice for women entering the industry 14:48 – From freelance writer to GreenState editor 17:33 – Being a woman in cannabis 20:52 – Challenges and harassment in the industry 24:14 – Building resilience 28:59 – A day in her life 36:53 – Boundaries and mental health 40:05 – Mentors and inspirations 43:22 – Final thoughts Connect with Rachelle Gordon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelle-gordon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachellethewriter GreenState: https://www.greenstate.com   Sponsor This episode is sponsored by OCM Digital Marketing. OCM Digital is a full-service marketing agency that builds the foundation for your brand, from websites and SEO to full-funnel strategies across Meta, Google, and LinkedIn Ads. We don’t just drive traffic, we help convert it into real, measurable growth. If you’re ready to stop leaving leads and revenue on the table, learn more at: https://www.ocmdigitalmarketing.com