Women Leading the Future of Cannabis and Psychedelic

As cannabis and psychedelics continue to merge in medical research, therapy, and policy reform, a growing number of women are at the forefront of this movement. These trailblazers are working at the intersection of both industries, shaping the way plant medicines are understood and utilized for healing. When you're straddling the two - "double dipping" or cross-faded, we call this "Zebra Striping." From medical doctors and neuroscientists to policy advocates and researchers, women have been essential in integrating cannabis and psychedelics into mainstream medicine.

In this article, we highlight several influential women who are leading the charge in both cannabis and psychedelics: Dr. Rachel Knox, Dr. Jessica Knox, Dr. Janice Knox, Dr. Julie Holland, Dr. Michele Ross, and more.

The Knox Family: Pioneers in Cannabis and Psychedelic Medicine

Dr. Rachel Knox, Dr. Jessica Knox, and Dr. Janice Knox have established themselves as a powerhouse family in integrative cannabinoid and psychedelic medicine. As medical doctors and health equity advocates, they are deeply involved in educating both medical professionals and the public on the therapeutic applications of cannabis and psychedelics.

Through the Association for Cannabis Health Equity and Medicine (ACHEM), the Knox family emphasizes a science-backed approach to plant medicine while also advocating for social justice and equitable access to psychedelic-assisted therapy. Their collective work is shaping the future of integrative medicine by breaking down stigmas and pushing for policy changes that support holistic, patient-centered care.

Dr. Julie Holland: The Psychiatrist Bridging Cannabis and Psychedelic Therapy

Dr. Julie Holland is a psychiatrist and psychopharmacology expert who has been vocal about the need for cannabis and psychedelics in modern psychiatry. She has contributed to numerous clinical trials studying MDMA, psilocybin, and cannabis for conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

Holland has written several books, including Moody Bitches and Good Chemistry, that demystify how plant medicines interact with the brain. She is also a leading advocate for incorporating psychedelics and cannabis into mental healthcare, particularly for women’s health and emotional wellness. Her work has been instrumental in making plant-based therapies more widely accepted in medical and psychiatric communities.

Dr. Michele Ross: Neuroscientist Championing Cannabis and Psychedelics

Dr. Michele Ross is a neuroscientist and wellness advocate focused on the therapeutic applications of cannabis, psychedelics, and mental health. With a background in addiction science, she has worked to reshape the conversation around plant medicine, emphasizing their role in neurogenesis, chronic pain management, and mood disorders.

Ross is the founder of Infused Health, where she provides coaching on plant-based medicine, helping individuals integrate cannabis and psychedelics into their healing journeys. She has also written extensively about the role of psilocybin, ketamine, and cannabis in restoring brain function and mental well-being.

Dr. Staci Gruber: Cannabis and Psychedelics Researcher at Harvard

Dr. Staci Gruber is a leading neuroscientist researching the cognitive effects of cannabis and psychedelics at Harvard University. She is the director of MIND (Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery), one of the most comprehensive cannabis research programs in the country, where she examines how cannabinoids impact brain function.

Gruber is also involved in psychedelic-assisted therapy research, particularly in how psilocybin and MDMA affect brain activity and mental health. Her studies have played a key role in bridging the scientific understanding of cannabis and psychedelics, helping to inform medical applications and policy reform.

Dr. Sue Sisley: Cannabis and Psychedelic Advocate for Veterans

Dr. Sue Sisley is a physician and researcher best known for her groundbreaking work in cannabis and PTSD treatment for veterans. She has led federally approved clinical trials studying cannabis for military-related trauma and has expanded her research to include psilocybin therapy for PTSD.

Sisley has been an outspoken advocate for loosening federal restrictions on both cannabis and psychedelics, working directly with policymakers to increase access to these treatments. Her research and advocacy have significantly influenced how plant medicines are perceived and utilized for trauma recovery.

Dr. Ziva Cooper: Leading Cannabis and Psychedelic Pain Research

Dr. Ziva Cooper is a pharmacologist and research scientist specializing in cannabis, psychedelics, and pain management. She is the director of the UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative, where she investigates how cannabinoids interact with the human body and how they may be combined with psychedelics for therapeutic use.

Cooper's work is essential in understanding the synergy between cannabis and psychedelics, particularly in treating chronic pain, opioid addiction, and neurological disorders. Her research is shaping the future of multi-plant therapy by exploring how cannabinoids and psychedelics can work together to enhance healing.

Conclusion: Women Shaping the Future of Cannabis and Psychedelics

The increasing intersection of cannabis and psychedelics in medicine, research, and policy is being driven by the expertise and advocacy of women. The contributions of the Knox family, Dr. Julie Holland, Dr. Michele Ross, Dr. Staci Gruber, Dr. Sue Sisley, and Dr. Ziva Cooper represent a future where plant medicine is embraced not just as an alternative treatment, but as a primary pillar of healthcare.

As cannabis and psychedelics continue to gain legal and medical recognition, these women are ensuring that scientific rigor, ethical considerations, and patient care remain at the forefront of the movement. Their work is dismantling stigma, advancing research, and paving the way for integrative medicine that honors both traditional wisdom and cutting-edge science.