Basically, as a young(ish) male, I've watched US programmes geared towards female (demographic) viewers like Sex and the City, and Desperate Housewives - and to be honest, found the former to be well-made (though it never really interested me), and found the latter to be extremely over-hyped and not very good (sorry!).
This series however is just fantastic - in just about everyway - yes, it has a 'strong' female lead character - whom has to become tougher and more savvy, after the death of her husband - leaving her to look after her two young kids (and later, also, - her 'rejuveniled' brother in law - his own words to describe himself in Series 3).
Mary Louise Parker is essentially and arguably the finest American actress in a TV show in the U.S - and she portrays the character - as being, initially, as someone who knows very little about marijuana dealing - later, she will exhibit much more savvy - as her business progresses.
The dialogue is quirky, very amusing and sharp - all the supporting characters are unique, and are very well-acted.
For those who may be put off by the fact that the series is partially about dealing in Class B/C (depends on the law) drugs - I would say this - it is more about a widowed woman, struggling to juggle her financial difficulties with her family life, and friendships - than about the drugs themselves - and frankly, if I was a woman viewer, I would get 'more' from watching this than watching the two aforementioned other series.
This really is one of the very best shows in America - and ranks up there with others like Six Feet Under, Dexter, Arrested Development, etc...

Weeds starts with a rather awkwardly melancholy note, but with the introduction of the outstanding Elizabeth Perkins' Celia Hodes (possibly the best written character since Arrested Development's Tobias Funke) it soon picks up.

Mary-Louise Parker is as charming as ever in her role as Nancy Botwin, and she does a sturdy job of fronting a brilliant ensemble cast of cross-generations.

Her stunning gaze blends with her supreme comic timing here to fuse a naive and haunted Nancy; constantly shadowed by the life she has been forced into by the death of her husband; and the relentless reminder of him from her two sons (played by Hunter Parrish & the voice of Nemo, Alexander Gould)

The first season of Weeds ends too shortly, with only 10 episodes filmed for the first season and then an increase in each season after. The fact that this season's climax is so breathlessly superb though, is consolation enough.

This is a brilliant series and the first season is the best so far. It starts where Nancy begins to deal pot so she can make money after her husband. The Only problem with the show is that it is only half an hour

I would highly recommend this show. It's a great Drama / Comedy which will keep you on the edge of your seat. but at the same time you'll wet yourself. The only problem is there's only 10 episodes in the season. Still a great buy though.