Inside Girls’ Joint, Cleveland’s Femme-Forward Cannabis Boutique

Girls’ Joint feels more like a creative studio than a smoke shop. There are no sterile glass counters or intimidating product walls. Instead, light pours over colorful shelves stocked with kitschy ashtrays, rose-petal rolling papers, bejeweled bongs and handcrafted joint wands.

Nothing feels rushed or cold like the typical head shop atmosphere. Multi-colored light fixtures hang overhead, and a hand-painted rainbow walkway climbs the wall. It’s a rare discovery among Cleveland’s cannabis scene.

The boutique, founded by Mandi Cavano and Judie Vegh, redefines what cannabis culture can look like, blending education, artistry and community under one bright, welcoming roof designed to empower women to explore confidently and comfortably.

“The experiences we've had in some of these other smoke shops weren’t very pleasant,” says Cavano. “From a feminine perspective, we're looked at like we don’t know what we’re doing. No one wants to take the time to educate or help. And if they do, they're looking down instead of at your eyes.”

The two recognize that everyone's relationship with cannabis is different and felt that disconnect in the shops they visited. In building Girls' Joint, they wanted a place that caters to the individual, sourcing cannabis accessories to fit every need.

Cavano, who holds a medical card, uses cannabis to treat PTSD and manage pain following a near-fatal brain hemorrhage three years ago. Vegh, on the other hand, turns to cannabis recreationally as a way to unwind after work without the side effects associated with alcohol.

Their different relationships with the plant mirror a national shift. According to a University of Michigan study, women ages 19 to 30 reported a higher rate of past-year cannabis use than men of the same age group in 2023, marking a reversal of the long-standing gender gap.

Girls’ Joint fits seamlessly into the Gordon Square neighborhood, celebrated for its creativity and strong network of women-owned businesses, sourcing 85% of its inventory from women- and minority-owned brands. Signature brands include Blazy Susan, My Bud Vase and Canna Style, names that blend aesthetics with purpose.

Rather than competing with nearby dispensaries, Girls’ Joint complements them, offering accessories, education, and a safe, inclusive space for exploration, rather than the product itself. That community continues to grow; Mavuno, another women-owned dispensary, is set to open nearby in the coming months.

“There's so much that we can do to get involved in the area,” says Vegh. “It’s a community that supports each other, and that’s definitely something we want to be a part of.” 

At Girls’ Joint, being “femme forward” means more than pink branding or pretty packaging; it’s about creating a place where women feel seen. Cavano and Vegh have built an environment that’s approachable and easy to navigate, where anyone can ask questions, learn and connect without judgment.

Men are welcome, too, but the focus remains on women and femme-identifying individuals, with products and experiences crafted around their perspectives and values.

Every product is chosen with intention, and the shop is already working with Cleveland makers to introduce exclusive, locally made pieces. But that mission doesn’t end with what’s on the shelves. Cavano and Vegh envision Girls’ Joint as a true gathering hub, which is why they plan to introduce hands-on programming with local artists and makers.

The goal is to offer a judgment-free hangout where people can meet and create together through craft workshops, art nights and women-led comedy shows, many of which will have nothing to do with cannabis at all.

The storefront officially opened on Oct. 20, with a calendar of events to follow. It will celebrate its grand opening weekend Nov. 7–9.

They will also offer educational sessions like Marijuana 101 so newcomers can learn about strains, effects and responsible use comfortably. 

“I would love to be able to share stories of women and how cannabis has shaped their lives. Everybody has their own individual experience,” says Vegh. “We want to be able to remove that stigma that it's something that can't be talked about.”

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