Mary Jane Oatman, Chief Operating Officer of the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA), is a passionate advocate for Indigenous communities and a dedicated leader in the cannabis industry. As an enrolled member of the Nez Perce Tribe and a descendant of the Delaware Tribe, Mary Jane has worked tirelessly to reclaim Indigenous cultures and restore traditional economies in hemp and cannabis. She founded the Indigenous CANNabis Coalition (ICANNC) and publishes THC Magazine, focusing on Indigenous contributions to the cannabis sector. Her extensive work includes advocating for tribal sovereignty, enhancing government-to-government relationships, and promoting cannabis health equity.
We were honored to have Oatman as a judge for the 2023 Cannabis & Tech Today Innovation Awards. Her extensive experience in the industry and passion for environmental sustainability, community empowerment make her an invaluable voice to to promote the most innovative and ethically conscious businesses in the industry.
Oatman discussed what the awards mean to the cannabis space and how new technology is driving the industry forward in a recent interview with Cannabis & Tech Today.
Cannabis & Tech Today: Cannabis has innovated a ton and continues to do so. What do you consider innovative in today’s cannabis space?
Mary Jane Oatman: I think the innovative work in the cannabis space today revolves around personal use devices and post-COVID innovations for contactless smoking. These advancements have really improved the vibe of consumption lounges, making them very exciting.
C&T: What kind of impact should tech have on cannabis today and into the future?
MJO: Tech should play a significant role in conservation as we prepare for federal descheduling or legalization. Cannabis tech is critical for protecting Mother Earth by addressing the environmental impacts of bad cannabis practices. Innovations in water monitoring, measuring, and metering electrical use on the cultivation side are essential….