Many people in the cannabis culture view the plant as much more than just a way to get high. Others know its power as a medicine, a steward of positive energy, and a creator of opportunity.
Tiana Woodruff embodies this sentiment to a T. As the founder and CEO of the award-winning social equity brand Queen Mary, Woodruff strives to help others through her all-natural, vegan edibles. Her brand blends minor cannabinoids, vitamins, and adaptogens for a health-based focus. Woodruff is changing the face of infused foods—while giving back at the same time.
Woodruff answered GreenState’s Fast Five questions, sharing her powerful connection to cannabis, the unique Queen Mary approach to formulation, and why she works so hard to pay her successes forward.
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GreenState: How did your journey with cannabis begin?
Tiana Woodruff: I started in the industry as a delivery driver in 2016 in LA during the Prop 215 days. I delivered cannabis door to door from 7 pm-1 am. I applied for a Social Equity license in 2019, and after being approved, I tried to get a retail license. Long story short, I was not selected in round one or two for a license, so I started a brand instead.
My history with cannabis began long before my delivery days. My aunt died of an opioid addiction, and the use of cannabis saved my grandmother from experiencing the same fate.
GS: What is your favorite way to consume?
TW: Edibles, of course. But I never turn down good weed.
GS: Queen Mary is a brand designed for the modern woman. How did you pick your formulations based on your target audience?
TW: My story is how it began. After the death of my aunt, I read a book called Change Your Brain Change Your Life. And when my grandmother was prescribed the same addictive medications, I turned to that book to find a natural solution.
My products combine natural supplements that help with anxiety, depression, and lack of energy. I infuse these natural substances with my cannabis edibles to provide a more functional and focused feeling of euphoria.
GS: You use a lot of minor cannabinoids in your products. Are these compounds the future of cannabis?
TW: Yes and no. If the plant is grown properly and not treated with harmful chemicals, the result is a clean, natural product that works with our endocannabinoid system. It needs no tweaking. But the use of minor cannabinoids to control the targeted effect in edibles and beverages is a thing, and it’s here to stay.
Stressing minor cannabinoids for specific functions like pain, appetite suppressant, or even energy is the future of cannabis use—not just a recreational buzz like alcohol.
GS: Queen Mary is involved with several non-profits and equity-minded organizations. Why is it so important to you to give back?
TW: Cannabis is a gift. No matter how you slice it. Having the opportunity to do business in an industry that is so limited and carries such a stigma is a privilege. I believe I have a social duty to give back to the communities that have paid the greatest price for cannabis. Empowering women, helping those in need, and being a role model for others like me is my responsibility.
Tiana Woodruff is a Social Equity Recipient in LA, and proud to be the first in her family to graduate college. As a single mother from the age of 17 and a foster mother to at-risk youth during the entire pandemic, she appreciates the therapeutic qualities of cannabis. She has witnessed the war on drugs and seen the destruction it has had on her friends, community, and close family firsthand. She started Queen Mary; a cannabis brand designed for today’s hard-working everyday women, to provide a natural alternative to addictive prescriptions. It’s her competitive nature that keeps her dedicated to her purpose of making a difference, fighting against drug addictions, and advocating for social injustice.
The answers given by Q&A subjects do not necessarily reflect the opinions of GreenState. The subject is solely responsible for the views stated in this piece.
