Dope Talk I love that you named your cannabis company after yourself. Why did you? We imagined what would happen if Mary Jane grew up and became a mother and businesswoman who wanted to share honest conversation around integrating cannabis into a modern woman’s lifestyle. We wanted Sarah Jane to feel like a dependable, relatable, ambitious, and open-minded friend. You are a champion for women in the cannabis space. Why so much focus on women in the industry? Women are the ultimate networkers, multitaskers, and problem solvers. We know how women work, the obstacles they face, and the products they’re looking for as consumers because we are our target market. We envision the 59 percent of new cannabis users in Michigan, all women, having better options to fit their specific needs. We also believe there is a way to do business that empowers entrepreneurs with different values, and that there is power in sharing resources. 14
MICHIGAN
M A R C H 202 2
You say you believe that mothers can use cannabis intentionally to “open their minds to creativity, enjoy being present in the moment with their children, let loose, and remember what it feels like to play.” What would you say to women who are fearful of trying cannabis, related to your statement? Cannabis is fun, relaxing, and engaging. I use it for similar reasons as much of parenting culture views the use of alcohol. I reside in the Midwest, where being a “wine mom” is celebrated but being a “weed mom” is still stigmatized and misunderstood because education about the cannabis plant, its diverse range of uses, and access to trustworthy resources are significantly lacking. We know that women like to talk to women, so we’re working to bring these conversations from private whispers to public shouts. The more we talk about our experiences with cannabis, the larger our community will grow and flourish. No judgment, no stigma, no rules except what works best for you— whether you’re consuming wine, weed, or something different, we
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SARAH JANE
Five Questions with Sarah Tupper, owner of Sarah Jane Cannabis Company
