Across Arkansas’s growing medical marijuana industry, women are stepping confidently into leadership, and at Suite 443 and its sister dispensaries, they are helping shape the culture, compliance and community impact of cannabis retail.

Suite 443 Dispensary in Hot Springs continues to set the pace. The state revenue agency reported Garland County’s lone dispensary led Arkansas in sales by weight for the third year in a row in 2025. As Sonny Albarado of the Arkansas Advocate reported, “A total of $1.5 billion has been spent on medical marijuana since the state’s first dispensary opened in May 2019.” Suite 443 sold 1,419.6 pounds in July and August 2025 alone, leading the state during that period.

Behind those numbers is a team of women guiding daily operations, patient care and long-term strategy.

“At Suite 443, I pride myself on my customer service,” said Bradie Johns, assistant manager, who has worked at the dispensary for more than two years. “I care deeply about how I interact with every single patient that walks through the door. I want them to know that their medical needs matter to me, and they are in the best hands.”

Co-manager Rochelle McLemore, who has been with Suite 443 for more than five years, brings institutional knowledge to the leadership team. “As one of the longest serving members of the Suite 443 team, I bring a wealth of institutional knowledge and experience in the industry and culture, specifically that of Suite 443,” she said.

Assistant Manager Shannon Finley, with more than three years at Suite 443, focuses on operational efficiency without sacrificing compassion. “I have a knack for finding ways to make processes more efficient, without removing the very human element of what we do,” Finley said. “Caring for people, both patients and members of my team, is always at the forefront of my mind.”

Supervisor Apiffany Wills, who will mark one year with the dispensary this spring, emphasizes team morale. “My ability to connect with all employees and hype them up for the day while also being an effective leader defines my approach,” she said. “I try to help make sure that everyone feels seen while simultaneously lightening the mood when necessary.”

That same blend of compliance and compassion extends across the family of dispensaries. At The Grass Station, General Manager Buffy Montgomery, who has worked in the industry since 2019, leads with both regulatory precision and heart.

“Our team is compassionate, empathetic and has a deep knowledge of cannabis and its medical use,” Montgomery said. “We are able to guide our patients safely and responsibly.”

She noted that everything is tracked “from seed to sell,” and the dispensary also supports the community through food drives and donations to local food banks and nursing homes.

At High Bank Cannabis Co., General Manager Summer Wrinkle, who began as a budtender in 2020, believes culture drives outcomes. “With help from my co-manager, Akima Germany, we strive to create an environment that is positive and uplifting for all of our employees,” Wrinkle said. “Offering structure and positivity to your employees creates a better environment for your patients.”

Germany, co-manager of inventory and purchasing, agrees. “My outgoing personality allows me to connect easily with both budtenders and patients,” she said. “I’m not afraid to step outside the box, try new products or explore fresh ideas that could benefit the team and our patients.”

At Bold Dispensary in Heber Springs, General Manager Danielle Van Don, a six-year veteran, keeps patient needs front and center. “I run a dispensary that caters to people, not numbers,” she said. “We run on Southern hospitality and want everyone to feel at home.”

Together, these women are not just managing dispensaries: they are redefining leadership in one of Arkansas’ fastest-growing industries.

Meet the Women in Charge.