What is Wana?

Wana has never been satisfied with “good enough,” not even when they were just a scrappy Boulder-based start-up trying to make their way in a newly legalized industry. When many companies cut corners, using inferior ingredients like animal-derived gelatin and artificial sweeteners, Wana crafted a vegan, terpene-enhanced, melt-proof recipe that virtually any adult could enjoy. And now, more than a decade later, customers all over the U.S. and Canada trust Wana to deliver a premium cannabis experience, every time they reach for a Wana product.

Who Founded Wana?

Not many of Colorado’s first weed companies are still around. But since she co-founded Wana Brands in 2010, Nancy Whiteman has expanded the edibles brand to more than 15 markets, and counting. It has as good a claim as any to be the country’s best-selling edibles brand. Last fall, the big Canadian company Canopy Growth agreed to acquire Wana once the U.S. legalizes cannabis at the federal level, for about $350 million. Canopy made a down payment of 85 percent.

As a pioneer in the cannabis market, Whiteman understands that much of the industry is about building relationships and trust, and that process is reinforced when consumers see other women behind cannabis products. In addition to reaching female consumers for International Women’s Day, Whiteman understands that women bring a collaborative and cooperative spirit to an industry that could be driven by ego and competition.

Whiteman serves on the Marijuana Business Daily Advisory Board and the Benzinga Cannabis Advisory Board. She was recognized as one of Green Entrepreneur’s 35 Most Influential Women in Cannabis and named MJBizDaily’s first-ever Industry Impact Award Winner. She was also recognized as one of the Most Influential Women in Cannabis in 2020 and is one of six women included in High Times 100.

Celebrate International Women’s Day by learning more about Wana Gummies, and trying them for yourself!