Harlee Case Transforms Cannabis Culture with Femme-Forward Empowerment and Music

Harlee Case, co-founder of the influential Ladies of Paradise collective and now one half of the band New Constellations, has been a driving force in redefining the role of women in Portland’s cannabis scene. Before the mainstream market adopted the aesthetics of female empowerment, Case and her team created authentic spaces where women could feel safe, expressive, and truly seen. “Females first. In cannabis there are plenty of heady bros doing things, we wanted to create a space for women and one where they felt safe to fully express themselves,” Case told High Times. Her approach stood in contrast to the industry’s traditionally masculine culture, carving out new territory for femme representation in cannabis

The Ladies of Paradise initiative was more than a brand—it was a cultural movement. Case and her colleagues hosted themed parties, developed creative marketing strategies, and launched the Lady Jays pre-roll line, all while focusing on genuine connection over superficial branding. “The evolution of Ladies of Paradise mirrored the needs and desires of women in the industry,” Case explained, highlighting how their events prioritized safety, visibility, and fun over profit and performative engagement. These gatherings became catalysts, pushing the collective into the limelight and inspiring similar efforts industry-wide

Central to Case’s philosophy was the emphasis on authenticity and meaningful action. She drew clear distinctions between true community-building and what she called “over hyped marketing and tokenism that has no substance or action behind their statements.” For Case, success was measured not by metrics but by the feedback and messages from women who felt uplifted and included. “Connection was key for us. Making people feel seen and building an actual community, not just throwing an event to make money, but genuinely wanting to uplift women in the industry at a time when they needed that support,” she said

As cannabis brands increasingly adopt the visual language of femme culture, Case remains wary of empty gestures and stresses the importance of transparency and collaboration. She points out the pitfalls of prioritizing aesthetics over substance and insists on fair compensation for collaborators and creators. “We would always pay collaborators, creators, and influencers first, before ourselves, every time,” Case stated, underscoring a work ethic rooted in mutual respect and long-term relationship-building. Many of the original Ladies of Paradise team continue to work with Case on her musical endeavors, carrying forward the same spirit of collaboration and support

Now channeling her creative vision into music, Case’s band New Constellations carries the ethos of Ladies of Paradise into a new medium. The band’s dreamy synth-pop and inclusive fan community reflect the same values of hope, connection, and empowerment. “We like our fans to leave with hope,” Case shared, emphasizing the emotional core of her work. As she prepares for touring and an upcoming album, Case remains committed to fostering spaces where people feel welcomed and inspired

From the OG Lab newsroom perspective, Case’s journey illustrates how authentic leadership and community-driven values can reshape both cannabis and music cultures. Her refusal to compromise on inclusivity and transparency offers a blueprint for brands and artists seeking genuine connection with their audiences. As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, Case’s legacy of femme-forward empowerment remains a powerful reminder of what is possible when creativity and care intersect