Women to Watch: Annie Macheca
Annie Macheca began her journey in the heart of St. Louis, where a deep respect for nature was instilled in her from an early age.
Growing up amidst Missouri’s lush landscapes, she learned the importance of environmental stewardship—a value that would later define both her personal life and professional pursuits.
Her passion for exploration led her to Prescott College in Arizona, where she studied journalism and agroecology, an experience that broadened her perspective on sustainable practices. After years of global travel and learning, Macheca returned to her roots and, in 2013, launched an urban farm as a radical experiment in blending commerce with conscientious land stewardship.
Yet, when Missouri legalized medical cannabis, a new challenge and opportunity emerged.
Harnessing her diverse experiences and unwavering commitment to sustainability, Macheca co-founded Monarch Waste Co.—Missouri’s first specialized cannabis waste service.
Her company was born out of a clear need: a responsible, environmentally conscious solution for managing cannabis by-products that not only met strict regulatory compliance but also set a new standard for eco-friendly practices in the industry. At Monarch Waste Co., Macheca now oversees operations as Co-Founder & COO, driving innovation with solutions such as mobile shredding units, partnerships with composting facilities, and even a lithium-ion battery recycling program.
Away from the demands of running a groundbreaking business, her life is a rich tapestry of nurturing both nature and family. A dedicated mother, gardener, beekeeper, and cook, she spends her time outdoors tending to her garden and caring for her ten chickens. Each of these pursuits mirrors her professional ethos—a commitment to sustainability, resourcefulness, and a deep connection to the natural world.
To learn more about her inspiring journey and the challenges of pioneering sustainable waste management in the cannabis industry, Greenway Magazine sat down with Annie Macheca.
Tell me about your role at the company.
“As COO and co-founder of Monarch Waste Co., my role is both hands-on and strategic. I oversee operations, ensuring that we not only meet Missouri’s strict compliance standards but push the envelope in sustainability and safety. I’m also focused on developing and refining our systems to handle waste in innovative ways, always looking for methods that set us apart and advance our mission. Beyond daily operations, I drive our broader vision, ensuring every facet of the company aligns with our commitment to environmental integrity and forward-thinking solutions. It’s a role that requires adaptability and attention to both big-picture strategy and operational detail, which is exactly the type of work that energizes me.”
What makes your Monarch Waste Co. special?
“Monarch Waste Co. stands out because we’re not just a waste management service; we’re a purpose-driven company dedicated to reshaping how the cannabis industry approaches its environmental footprint. As Missouri’s only specialized cannabis waste service, we understand the unique challenges of handling cannabis by-products and have designed our entire operation to meet these needs responsibly. Our commitment to environmental integrity runs through everything we do—from our mobile shredding unit to our partnerships with composting facilities, to our lithium-ion battery recycling program. We’re setting a standard for compliant, eco-conscious waste management. By helping cannabis facilities meet regulations, we enable them to contribute to a more sustainable industry.”
Can you talk about the obstacles you, or your company, have faced over the last few years and how the pandemic impacted you?
“One of the biggest obstacles we face is that there’s no established playbook for cannabis waste remediation. Building this business has required us to start from scratch, innovating solutions without a roadmap or external guidance. In an industry where compliance and environmental responsibility are critical, we’ve had to chart our own course, developing methods and protocols that not only meet regulatory demands but also set new standards for responsible waste management. It’s a challenging process, but one that has pushed us to be leaders in a field where few have gone before.”
How did you get into cannabis?
“My introduction to cannabis came from a deeply personal place. I grew up with a lot of joy and stability, but a traumatic event in my childhood veered me off that easy path, leading me into a landscape that felt rocky and uncertain. As I worked to face those experiences, cannabis provided grounding and relief alongside traditional therapies, helping me process and heal. Then, in my early twenties, an injury left me with chronic pain, and once again, I turned to cannabis to ease the challenges of pain and recovery. Knowing first hand its potential to support both mental and physical health, I was eager to be part of an industry that brings this kind of relief to others as it became legal in Missouri.”
Why cannabis?
“Cannabis offers something uniquely powerful—a way to connect both mind and body in a natural and grounding way. Plants like cannabis have evolved alongside us, meeting human needs that go beyond physical relief. For many, cannabis supports a shift in perspective, helping people find mindfulness and process experiences in new ways. In my own life, it’s been essential for both physical and emotional wellness, which makes me passionate about working in an industry dedicated to this kind of holistic support. Being part of this field allows me to contribute to a growing appreciation of cannabis as a natural ally for healing, resilience, and exploration.”
What is it like being a woman in your field?
“There are very few industries where women are the primary leaders and the structures don’t default to traditional male-led dynamics. In cannabis and waste management, creating a space for women means challenging conventions and carving out our own places. I’m reminded of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress, who said, ‘If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.’ For me, that means showing up, taking space, and being part of organizations like JAINE, a cannabis group focused on supporting, honoring, and educating women in the industry.”
What if any challenges have you faced that you feel men in the industry don’t generally deal with?
“In fields like cannabis and waste management, women often face unique challenges that aren’t as common for men. For instance, there’s frequently an expectation that women have to prove their expertise repeatedly to gain the same level of respect—a phenomenon known as ‘prove-it-again’ bias. Additionally, qualities admired in male leaders, like assertiveness or decisiveness, are sometimes misinterpreted in women as being overly aggressive. Research supports this, showing that women in leadership face different standards in how their behavior is perceived. Another challenge is the lack of female mentors in the cannabis industry, which makes networks like JAINE essential. Being part of JAINE allows women in cannabis to create a community where we can exchange knowledge, support each other, and amplify each other’s voices. For me, these challenges reinforce the importance of building an inclusive, supportive culture in cannabis—one where everyone, regardless of gender, is respected for their contributions. Working together to shape a more progressive industry helps us all move forward.”
What are you passionate about?
“This question makes me laugh because a better question for me would be, what am I not passionate about? I’m a deeply passionate person, and sometimes I thank cannabis for amplifying that quality in me. I’m committed to being a good wife, mother, and business owner, and I’m driven by a love for finding joy in the little things—from small family moments to the rhythms of nature. My passions extend to land stewardship, regenerative agriculture, and native plant landscaping, as well as supporting native pollinators like the monarch butterfly, which inspired our business’s name. I’m also passionate about cooking, food preservation, and traditional cooking techniques, finding a deep respect for tradition and sustainability in these practices. Beyond work and home life, I’m passionate about progressive politics and advocating for body autonomy for women, believing in everyone’s right to make informed decisions about their lives and bodies. I also find joy in art, music, and dancing—all things that bring people together and add beauty to everyday life. Plus, I love woodworking—Larry David’s question, ‘Do you respect wood?’ resonates deeply with me!”
Where do you find inspiration?
“I find inspiration in many places, but family is at the heart of it. My parents, both entrepreneurs, taught me the value of resilience, creativity, and hard work, and seeing their dedication to building something meaningful has had a huge impact on me. They instilled in me a love for nature and a sense of responsibility to care for it, values that are woven into my work today. Now, as I build my own business and legacy, I’m inspired by the idea of creating something lasting for my family and future generations.”
What motivates you?
“At my core, I’m motivated by authenticity and equality. Authenticity keeps me grounded and reminds me to stay true to my values, even when the path is challenging. Equality is a major motivator, particularly in an industry like cannabis, where there’s a complex history of legal issues and social inequities. Cannabis was once widely criminalized, and to this day, people are still imprisoned over cannabis-related charges in parts of the country where it remains illegal. As someone working in this industry, I feel a deep responsibility to advocate for a fairer future—one where no one is penalized for the plant we now recognize for its medicinal and economic value. Knowing that my work aligns with these values and contributes to a more inclusive and sustainable world is what keeps me motivated, even when the challenges are tough.”
What advice or encouragement would you give to other women in the cannabis industry?
“My biggest advice to women in the cannabis industry is to stay true to your values and be unapologetic about taking up space. Cannabis is still an emerging field with plenty of room for growth and change, and it needs diverse voices to help shape it into a fair and inclusive industry. Know that you bring unique perspectives and strengths to the table, so don’t be afraid to assert your expertise and stand firm in your vision. Also, remember that this industry has a complex history. Take pride in contributing to an evolving landscape, and don’t lose sight of the fact that people have fought long and hard to make cannabis legal. If possible, get involved in advocating for those who are still affected by outdated cannabis laws. Building connections with other women in this field can be invaluable, too. Networks like JAINE and other support groups can be a great resource, offering mentorship, support, and empowerment. At the end of the day, know that your voice matters and that your work is helping to shape the future of this industry. Above all, remember that your voice is valuable, and your presence is helping shape an industry with real potential to impact lives. Your contributions matter.”
What do you consider your greatest professional accomplishment?
“I consider my greatest professional accomplishment to be founding Monarch Waste Co. and building a company that reflects my core values of sustainability, compliance, and community impact. Starting a business in the cannabis waste industry wasn’t easy—there was no roadmap, and we had to innovate from scratch. We’ve since created a service that helps cannabis facilities operate responsibly while reducing environmental impact. Knowing that our work contributes to a more sustainable and compliant industry is incredibly rewarding, and it feels like a legacy I’m proud to be a part of. Through Monarch Waste, I’ve also had the chance to build a team and foster partnerships that align with our mission, from composting programs to new recycling initiatives. It’s fulfilling to see the positive changes we’re driving forward and to know that we’re setting a new example for what the cannabis industry can achieve.”
Annie Macheca’s blend of passion and professional innovation shines through every aspect of her work. From transforming waste management in Missouri’s burgeoning cannabis industry to empowering women and advocating for a sustainable future, her story is a powerful reminder that perseverance and purpose can indeed reshape an industry.
With Monarch Waste Co., Macheca is not only setting new standards for eco-conscious operations but also inspiring a generation of leaders to follow in her sustainable footsteps.
