Dr. Chanda Macias rises to cannabis empire after losing everything

In the United States, Dr. Chanda Macias faced significant adversity on her journey to establish a presence in the cannabis industry. The obstacles she encountered were formidable; she lost her home, faced rejection from potential vendors, and struggled to fund her first dispensary in Dupont Circle. Macias's commitment stemmed from her personal experiences with cancer treatment and the systemic injustices tied to the war on drugs, which had affected her community and family. Her dedication to the industry was fueled not only by her personal trials but also by a desire to aid those who were marginalized by traditional medicine. By the time she completed her graduate studies, Macias had gained a profound understanding of cannabis's therapeutic benefits. She viewed her mission as a way to contribute significantly to the lives of patients needing care. However, the challenges were not merely financial; as a woman of color in a predominantly male industry, she found herself confronting various systemic barriers. Despite these obstacles, her resilience grew, propelled by her ambition to transform the cannabis landscape for the better. Macias emerged as not just a business owner, but also a community leader who organized events to empower other women in the cannabis space. Through her participation in initiatives like Women Grow, she aimed to foster a supportive network for those pursuing similar paths. As her journey progressed, she inspired numerous others, including athletes such as Brittney Griner, to advocate for the responsible use of cannabis. As of February 2025, Macias plans to host the Women Grow 2025 Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., which aims to bring together diverse voices and experiences within the cannabis community. Her story epitomizes perseverance in the face of adversity and highlights the critical importance of community engagement and education in shaping the future of the cannabis industry.