The Designer: Jane West

Jane West is a renowned American cannabis activist, CEO, and founder of the cannabis lifestyle brand Jane West, which blends style and functionality with beautifully crafted smoking accessories. In 2013, she launched Edible Events Company, hosting cannabis-friendly cocktail parties to normalize consumption. Even as her events gained traction, Jane had to face challenges including dismissal from an eight-year job and having a 4/20 brunch shut down from a SWAT Team, accumulating in being banned from hosting cannabis events. Pivoting to support women in the cannabis industry, Jane founded Women Grow, the largest network of women in cannabis and hemp, providing networking, career development, and mentorship to empower women in the industry.

Soon after, Jane launched the Jane West brand, creating a line of designer glassware, sophisticated dugouts, and one-hitters. Built brick by brick, her brand is 80% owned by women and people of colour. The Jane West Collections are more than smoking accessories—they are artfully crafted pieces that spark conversation and look more at home in a museum. She is best known for her iconic twenties glassware collection, a stunning homage to a bygone era, rich with intricate design details that appeal to the modern smoker. Each piece features textured surfaces that evoke the timeless charm of generational glassware, the kind you’d hope to inherit. From ashtrays to hand pipes, the Jane West brand embodies sophistication, crafted by a designer who truly understands her audience.

Here, Jane West shares her thoughts on the role of women in the cannabis industry.

What inspired you to enter the cannabis industry?
I saw an opportunity to create high-quality, beautifully designed smokeware that didn’t exist at the time—products that fit seamlessly into daily life while also challenging outdated perceptions of cannabis.

Can you share the story behind starting your business and how your journey has evolved?
Jane West began as a movement—hosting events and building a community that helped push legalization forward. It has since evolved into a brand focused on craftsmanship and quality, offering products that elevate the cannabis experience while supporting independent retailers and businesses.

Do you feel you had to overcome any challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field?
Of course. The cannabis industry, like many others, was initially built by and for men. Early on, I had to fight to be taken seriously—not just as a woman, but as someone with a different vision of what the industry could be. Investors, distributors, and even customers often defaulted to assuming that men were the decision-makers. At times, I had to work twice as hard to prove that my ideas weren’t just valid but ahead of the curve. But over time, I stopped waiting for the industry's approval and just focused on building something undeniable.

Do you feel that the cannabis industry is more open to women and diverse voices than other industries, or do you think there are still significant barriers within the space?
It’s complicated. Cannabis had a moment where it seemed like women were going to have a real shot at shaping the industry, and some did. But as legalization expanded and corporate interests took over, a lot of those early opportunities started disappearing. Today, the space is still largely controlled by the same structures that make it difficult for independent brands—especially those led by women—to compete. So yes, there are more women in cannabis than in some industries, but are we truly leading? Not as much as we should be.

What are some ways the industry can improve gender equality and increase the representation of women in leadership roles?
The answer is always money and decision-making power. If companies want more women in leadership, they need to fund women-owned businesses, hire women in executive roles, and listen to the women who have already proven they know how to build lasting brands. It’s not about creating token initiatives—it’s about actually shifting who gets to control the industry’s future. 

How do you see the future of women in the cannabis industry?
Women are driving innovation and consumer trends. The future belongs to those who build brands with integrity and stay true to their vision, rather than chasing short-term gains.

Are there any other women in the cannabis industry you admire?
Yes—so many. The ones I admire most are the women who aren’t just surviving but creating new paths for others. They’re not just trying to fit into the system; they’re building something better.

Jane West has given us an exclusive look at the raw designs of three of her most innovative cannabis smoking accessories. Get an unfiltered glimpse into her creative process and explore the full collection. With nine stunning colourways to choose from, you can go for a coordinated look or have fun mixing and matching to make it your own.