Thank You, Woman’s Week, for Highlighting Leah Kollross and the Work of 23rd State in Cannabis Wellness

We’re incredibly honored and grateful to Woman’s Week for their recent feature on our founder, Leah Kollross, and the groundbreaking work being done at 23rd State to reimagine cannabis as a tool for wellness, celebration, and connection.

As the cannabis industry evolves, so does the conversation around who it’s for, how it’s used, and what kind of experience it can offer. At 23rd State, we’re committed to creating beautiful, functional products that make THC approachable for everyone—especially for those who are new to cannabis or seeking alternatives to alcohol. Leah’s leadership has been central to this mission, and we’re thrilled to see her recognized for her dedication to education, empowerment, and innovation in the space.

A Mission Rooted in Personal Healing

Leah’s journey with cannabis began as a personal one. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, she sought plant-based alternatives to conventional pain management and stumbled upon something even greater—a pathway toward healing, balance, and joy. What started as a quest for relief quickly turned into a deeper understanding of how intentional cannabis use could transform not just her own life, but the lives of others navigating similar paths.

With a strong background in branding and wellness, Leah founded 23rd State to bridge the gap between cannabis and everyday rituals. Her goal was simple: make THC accessible, enjoyable, and empowering. No jargon, no intimidation—just clear, clean, and beautifully designed products that support modern lifestyles.

Recognizing the Power of Microdosing

One of the key themes Woman’s Week so insightfully explored in their article is Leah’s advocacy for microdosing—a practice that’s become a cornerstone of our product philosophy at 23rd State. For many new cannabis users, traditional methods of consumption can feel overwhelming or unpredictable. Microdosing offers a gentle, controlled way to explore the plant’s benefits without the risk of going too far too fast.

Leah has championed this approach not just in product development but in education and community outreach. Through blog content, workshops, and partnerships, she’s helping dismantle old stigmas and replace them with knowledge and confidence.

Our THC enhancers, including the glitter-infused SHAKE drops, are designed with microdosing in mind. Each serving is precisely dosed, batch-tested, and clearly labeled—making it easy for users to understand what they’re consuming and how it may affect them. It’s part of our broader mission to create cannabis products that align with a mindful, modern lifestyle.

SHAKE: Cannabis Meets Creativity

The Woman’s Week article also highlights one of our most distinctive innovations: SHAKE, our line of fast-acting THC drops enhanced with edible glitter. This isn't just about aesthetics—though the shimmer is undeniably fun. It’s about transforming how we think about cannabis.

SHAKE embodies everything Leah envisioned for 23rd State: functionality, transparency, beauty, and joy. It’s a product that invites you to slow down, mix up a drink, and enjoy the moment—whether you're relaxing at home, celebrating with friends, or simply trying to be more present in your day.

With SHAKE, cannabis becomes part of the ritual—just like lighting a candle, journaling, or sipping a mocktail. The sparkle serves as a reminder that wellness can be joyful, and that feeling good doesn’t have to come at the expense of clarity or control.

Replacing Alcohol, One Sip at a Time

Another powerful takeaway from the Woman’s Week feature is the way Leah is helping redefine social experiences for those who are sober-curious or choosing to reduce alcohol intake. For many of us, happy hours, parties, and even self-care routines were once centered around alcohol. But with products like SHAKE, FRESH PRESS, BLUSH CRUSH, and CITRA STASH, 23rd State offers delicious, satisfying alternatives that don’t compromise on flavor or fun.

These aren’t just “replacements”—they’re reimaginings. Our beverages are infused with carefully selected terpenes, real fruit juices, and fast-acting THC to create something entirely new. And because they’re low-dose and designed for easy customization, they invite exploration and experimentation.

Leah’s perspective is that cannabis should never feel like a compromise. Instead, it should feel like a reward—something to savor, celebrate, and share. That mindset is at the heart of everything we create.

Educating and Empowering a New Generation of Cannabis Consumers

The cannabis world can still feel intimidating for newcomers. Complicated labels, inconsistent effects, and a lack of accessible information can leave people unsure of where to start. Leah is actively working to change that through every touchpoint at 23rd State.

From transparent labeling to thoughtful social media content to community activations, she’s built a brand that speaks with clarity and compassion. Under her leadership, we’ve become known not just for what we make, but for how we make people feel: confident, informed, and empowered to take control of their cannabis journey.

Whether someone is curious about THC for sleep, looking to unwind without a hangover, or exploring cannabis as part of a wellness routine, 23rd State offers an approachable entry point—and Leah is often the voice that welcomes them in.

Breaking Stigmas and Setting New Standards

Being a woman leader in cannabis comes with challenges, but also unique opportunities to reshape the conversation. Leah is part of a growing movement of female founders who are bringing a new level of intentionality, inclusivity, and creativity to the space.

We’re proud to be a Minnesota-based brand that’s rooted in our community, while also pushing national boundaries around what cannabis can be. Thanks to media outlets like Woman’s Week, stories like Leah’s are getting the attention they deserve. This kind of coverage not only uplifts individual leaders—it helps shift the broader narrative toward one of empowerment, wellness, and accessibility.

What’s Next for 23rd State?

With a growing product line, expanding distribution, and a passionate community of supporters, we’re just getting started. Leah continues to lead with heart, curiosity, and a deep belief in the plant’s power to transform lives—one glittering drop at a time.

We’ve recently launched new flavors and plan to expand our educational initiatives to help even more people discover the benefits of mindful cannabis consumption. From collaborative events to new product innovations, the future is bright—and just a little sparkly.

Thank You Again, Woman’s Week

We’re so honored by the thoughtful feature from Woman’s Week and thrilled to see Leah’s work recognized on a platform dedicated to celebrating women’s voices, health, and leadership.

Thank you for amplifying our mission and helping us reach even more people who are ready to explore cannabis on their own terms. Your support means the world, and we can’t wait to share what’s next.

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Interested in learning more?

Whether you’re new to THC or a long-time fan of cannabis beverages, we invite you to explore our full line of microdose-friendly products:

• SHAKE: Fast-acting THC drops infused with edible glitter

• FRESH PRESS: THC-infused pear cider with real juice

• BLUSH CRUSH: A bubbly, rosé-inspired THC beverage

• CITRA STASH: A terpene-rich hoppy lemonade with a functional edge

Each one is intentionally crafted for clarity, calm, and connection. No guesswork. Just good vibes—on your terms.

You can shop online, follow us on Instagram, or visit our next pop-up to experience the sparkle for yourself.