South Africa’s cannabis movement has always been powered by women healers, activists, educators, growers, and cultural leaders whose work often goes unseen but never unfelt.
From rural matriarchs preserving ancient landrace genetics to modern entrepreneurs building compliant dispensaries, women have shaped the heart, soul, and direction of dagga culture.
This deep dive honours the women who carry the plant, protect the plant, teach the plant, and fight for the plant. Their stories form the backbone of South Africa’s cannabis identity past, present, and future.
–In no particular order-
Here are some of the remarkable women shaping South Africa’s cannabis movement. Each of them brings unique strengths, stories, and contributions to the plant and the community.
Myrtle Clarke 🌍 National Activist & International Cannabis Policy Voice
Myrtle Clarke is one of the most influential figures in South African cannabis reform.
After her arrest with her partner Julian Stobbs in 2010, she transformed personal injustice into a national movement. Through the “Dagga Couple” campaign and the founding of Fields of Green for ALL, Myrtle became the strategic heart of cannabis policy activism.
Her work extends to the global stage, where she has represented South Africa at United Nations drug policy forums, challenging outdated conventions and advocating for African cannabis sovereignty.
Myrtle’s activism helped pave the way for the 2018 Constitutional Court ruling that decriminalized private cannabis use. She remains a fierce defender of human rights, legacy growers, and fair cannabis laws.
Dr Sisca Gallow 🩺 Cannabis Researcher & Prostate Cancer Advocate
Sisca Gallow contributes to the scientific foundation of South African cannabis medicine. She is known for submitting research papers on men’s prostate cancer and cannabinoid therapy, helping expand the evidence base for cannabis in oncology.
Her work bridges the gap between anecdotal healing and scientific validation, strengthening the credibility of cannabis medicine in a country where clinical information is still scarce, and educates the public on responsible cannabis use.
Sisca represents the research driven side of the movement the women who ensure cannabis is taken seriously in medical and regulatory spaces.
Maraleen Theunissen 🌾 Eastern Cape Advocate & Pondo Plug Project
Maraleen Theunissen is a powerful advocate for rural cannabis communities in the Eastern Cape. Through her involvement in the Mpondoland Plug Project, she works to uplift traditional growers, preserve indigenous genetics, and create sustainable economic opportunities in one of the world’s most culturally significant cannabis regions.
Her work often intersects with international collaborations, including connections to Simon of Strain Hunters, who documented the region’s legendary landrace strains. Maraleen ensures that rural growers especially women are not left behind as legalization progresses.
Dr. Kerina Sulagan 🌸 Medical Doctor, Cannabis Practitioner & Integrative Healer
Dr. Kerina Sulagan is part of the new generation of South African medical professionals actively shaping the cannabis health sector. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery, she furthered her expertise by completing Dr. Shiksha Gallow’s Professional Certificate in Medical Cannabis, positioning herself at the forefront of integrative medicine.
At Holistic Healing, Dr. Sulagan leads a team of General Practitioners with compassion and dedication, combining conventional medical training with natural therapies. Her approach reflects a deep belief in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms, and she has helped many patients experience meaningful improvements in their health through cannabis based protocols.
Her medical journey began with internship training at the Military Hospital in Cape Town, where she gained valuable experience caring for patients from diverse backgrounds. Today, she brings that same care and commitment into her daily practice, blending evidence based medicine with plant based healing.
Dr. Sulagan is also an active voice in the cannabis community. She has spoken at the Cannabis Expo in 2024, sharing insights on medical cannabis applications and patient care. Her presence at such events highlights her role as both a practitioner and educator, helping to normalize cannabis medicine within South Africa’s healthcare system.
She represents the growing number of doctors who see cannabis as an essential part of integrative healing bridging science, compassion, and community.
Mama G’s🛍️ Cannabis Journey CBD & Wellness Products
- Origins: Began in South Africa as a CBD baker and herbalist, creating infused chocolates, brownies, and edibles.
- Awards:
- 2019–2024: Consistently placed in cannabis competitions, with 22 awards including 11 first‑place wins.
- Recognized for innovative edibles like Cosmic Chocolates, Snack Wheels, Sour Apple Sherbet, and Belgian Chocolates.
- International Recognition: Served as a judge at the Phuket Cannabis Cup 3 (Thailand, 2024), representing South Africa’s cannabis culture on the global stage.
- Product Range: Oils, capsules, balms, gels, creams, bath salts, soaps, and edibles.
- Focus: Natural healing, stress relief, pain management, and holistic wellness.
- Specialty: CBD‑infused baked goods — cookies, brownies, fudge, and gummies.
- Website: mama-g.co.za
- Green Cup & Cannabis Expo: Regular participant and award winner.
- Media Features: Covered in cannabis blogs and directories like CannaStay and Eco Wise Gardening.
- Community Role: Known as a mother, energy healer, aromatherapist, and advocate for cannabis wellness.
Sister Vee Nohombile 🕊️ Nurse, Educator & Legacy Knowledge Keeper (In Memoriam)
Sister Vee was a beloved nurse, healer, and educator whose teachings transformed public understanding of cannabis medicine. Her book, Cannabis is the Human Companion Plant, remains one of the most accessible local resources on cannabis healing.
She trained caregivers, patients, and families long before legalization, blending African traditional healing with modern nursing knowledge. Her legacy lives on through the communities she uplifted and the healers she inspired.
The Scissor Sisters ✂️ Cannabis Processing & Empowerment Collective
The Scissor Sisters is a women‑led cannabis collective based in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. Founded by Yonela Mtshotwana in 2020 after volunteering with The CannaClub, the initiative was born out of a commitment to empower single black mothers (SBMs) and provide them with sustainable opportunities in the cannabis industry.
🌱 What They Do
- Exclusive Processing & Packaging Partner They are the primary processing and packaging subcontractor for The CannaClub and its Member’s Stokvel, handling trimming, packaging, and artisanal product development.
- Skills Development & Training Through partnerships with the Department of Trade & Industry and Department of Labour, they run internship programs that train women in cannabis processing. Graduates have already secured jobs in medicinal cannabis facilities.
- Micro Processing Hub They aim to establish a micro‑processing hub with rent free joint venture options, focusing on handcrafted, solventless extraction and value‑added cannabis products.
- Community Empowerment The collective provides workshops in trimming, packaging, and processing, while also offering transport and mobile services for cannabis processing.
🎤 Public Presence
- Featured in The CannaClub’s Green Cup series and other cannabis empowerment platforms.
- Profiled in a YouTube feature: Empowerment Opportunities in the Cannabis Industry: The Scissor Sisters (The CannaClub channel).
- Active on Facebook and The CannaClub’s website, where they share updates on harvests, training, and community projects.
🌟 Why They Matter
The Scissor Sisters represent a grassroots empowerment model in South Africa’s cannabis industry. By centring marginalized women and providing them with real skills, contracts, and pathways into the legal cannabis economy, they embody the principle of “Nothing for us, without us.
Sharon Price 🌿 Cannabis Healer & Legal Trailblazer (Brandwag, Mossel Bay)
Sharon Price is a community healer known for helping patients with cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and chronic pain using cannabis oil. Her healing work led to a high profile police raid, but after the 2017 High Court ruling protecting privacy, her case was struck off the roll a symbolic victory for healers across the country.
Sharon represents the grassroots heart of cannabis medicine accessible, compassionate, and community driven.
Mirishin Schutte 🧪 Licensed Cannabis Practitioner & Dispensary Leader
Mirishin Schutte is a licensed cannabis practitioner and CEO of Abis Inc., as well as co owner of Spoonful of Sugar Dispensaries. She focuses on patient specific medicine, ethical cannabis entrepreneurship, and compliance education.
Her work includes training dispensary staff, supporting growers with compliance, and educating the public on safe cannabis use. Mirishin brings professionalism, structure, and medical integrity to South Africa’s emerging cannabis wellness sector.
Louise Maxwell 🌱 Founder of Women of Weed KZN & Community Educator
Louise Maxwell launched the first Women of Weed (WOW) event in August 2020, creating a safe, stigma‑free space for women to learn about cannabis. Through her brand The Green Hobbit, she teaches medicine‑making, hosts workshops, and builds community through education and empowerment.
Louise’s work normalizes cannabis for women and fosters a sisterhood rooted in healing, creativity, and shared knowledge.
Candice “Canna Lady C” 🔥 Educator, Empowerment Leader & March Organizer
Candice is a dynamic educator who teaches safe cultivation, product formulation, and cannabis entrepreneurship.
She plays a key role in organizing the Global Cannabis March, mobilizing communities and amplifying women’s voices in national advocacy with her YouTube channel she is just starting to break ground on teaching us about Cannabis while giving us good reviews and guides.
Her mission is to uplift women and create accessible pathways into the cannabis industry.
Esther C. Nel ✨ Cannabis Social Club Advocate (Maluti Muti & CannaClub Plett)
Esther Nel works behind the scenes to support the emerging Cannabis Social Club model in South Africa. Through her involvement with Maluti Muti and CannaClub Plettenberg Bay, she helps create safe, structured environments for responsible cannabis use.
Her roles include club management, compliance support, and community coordination the essential administrative backbone of the cannabis community.
Sister Nancy 🏫 Rastafari Educator & Cultural Leader (Judah Square)
Sister Nancy is a respected Rastafari leader from Judah Square, Knysna. As co founder of the village and principal of the Educare Crèche, she preserves Rastafari culture, cannabis spirituality, and community education.
She represents the deep spiritual roots of cannabis in South Africa.
Joanne Parry 🎬 From Volunteer to Production Manager & Cannabis Media Voice
Joanne Parry’s journey with Fields of Green for all began humbly but powerfully.
Years ago, she wrote a heartfelt letter to the Dagga Couple, offering her help with petitions and gathering signatures to support cannabis law reform. That act of solidarity marked the start of her deep involvement in the movement.
Over time, Joanne’s dedication grew into a central role within the organization. Today, she serves as Production Manager at Fields of Green for ALL, where she ensures that campaigns, events, and outreach run smoothly. Her work now forms part of the backbone of the NGO’s media and communications strategy.
Most notably, Joanne is the Executive Producer of the Hotbox Show, South Africa’s premier cannabis culture podcast.
With hundreds of episodes streamed on YouTube, the Hotbox Show has become a vital platform for education, activism, and community connection.
Joanne’s steady hand behind the scenes has helped transform it into a trusted voice for cannabis culture, blending grassroots energy with professional production.
Her story reflects the spirit of the cannabis movement, Ordinary people stepping up, offering their time and skills, and becoming extraordinary leaders. Joanne embodies the power of persistence, proving that activism is not only about protests and policy it’s also about building platforms, telling stories, and keeping the conversation alive week after week.
Ami Heystek 🌟 Cannabis Advocate & Media Voice at Fields of Green for ALL
Ami Heystek is one of the driving forces behind Fields of Green for ALL, stepping into the spotlight as a dedicated cannabis activist and public speaker. Her advocacy journey began alongside The Dagga Couple, where she supported their groundbreaking legal battle for cannabis reform in South Africa.
Today, Ami serves as an Assistant Director at Fields of Green for ALL, where she’s become a prominent voice at major industry events like the SA Premier Green Cup and the Cannabis Expo. Ami frequently takes the stage to speak about the organization’s mission and the broader push for cannabis legalization and social justice.
In her role, Ami helps manage outreach initiatives, media engagements, and community education campaigns. She brings a clear, articulate voice to the conversation, ensuring that Fields of Green for ALL’s message reaches diverse audiences, from policymakers to everyday South Africans.
Melanie Bouic 🤝 Community Builder & Daggabay Trails Coordinator
Melanie Bouic is the community heartbeat of Daggabay. She manages merchandise, coordinates Daggabay Trails, supports events, and keeps the brand connected to its supporters.
Her work is the glue that holds the community side of Daggabay together.
Melanie’s strengths lie in logistics, communication, and relationship building. She ensures that Daggabay remains not just a platform, but a living community grounded in collaboration, creativity, and grassroots energy.
Her contributions often happen behind the scenes, but they are essential to the movement’s growth and cohesion.
She represents the heart of community work the people who make sure everyone feels included, supported, and part of something bigger.
The Dagga Dutchess 🎤 Cannabis Influencer & Cultural Voice
The Dagga Dutchess uses digital platforms to normalize cannabis for everyday women. Her content blends education, lifestyle, and advocacy, making cannabis accessible, stylish, and socially acceptable.
Apart of the https://www.normalisedcannabis.com/ movement she is a powerful woman that normalize cannabis while breaking the stigma, she has done lots work in activism and represents the modern, digital first cannabis movement unapologetically feminine and deeply community focused.
Kelly McQue 📖 Cancer Survivor, Author & Wellness Storyteller
Kelly McQue’s book At Home With Cannabis teaches South Africans how to make oils, balms, and tinctures safely and affordably. As a cancer survivor, her voice carries authenticity and compassion.
She empowers patients to reclaim control over their healing and brings humanity to the cannabis conversation.
The Rural Matriarchs (Ma’gogos)🌿 Custodians of Landrace Genetics & Ancestral Knowledge
Across Mpondoland, KZN, Limpopo, and the Eastern Cape, the Ma’gogos, rural grandmothers and great grandmothers are the true guardians of South Africa’s cannabis heritage.
They preserve landrace genetics, traditional cultivation methods, and ancestral healing practices.
These women are:
- Seed keepers
- Healers
- Cultivators
- Economy builders
- Cultural anchors
Their knowledge is unwritten but deeply rooted in soil, memory, and ritual. They are the living archive of South African dagga culture the origin, the backbone, and the future.
The Women Who Carry the Plant Forward
The Women of Weed South Africa are not a trend they are a lineage. They are activists, healers, educators, growers, researchers, and cultural leaders. They are the past, present, and future of dagga.
Their stories deserve to be told, celebrated, and preserved not just for the cannabis community, but for South Africa’s cultural history.
This article is a tribute to them, and to the generations of women who carried the plant long before the world paid attention.
