Although the cannabis industry has made great strides since its prohibition, there is still a lot of work to do. Here are a few ways to get involved in cannabis activism. With a few conscious behaviors, perhaps we will see total reform in our future.
Education
Firstly, we must admit that stigmas do exist. They exist pertaining to the use of cannabis as a parent and in regards to social equity and racial justice within cannabis reform. Stigma also exist when we talk about people who use cannabis medically verses others who use recreationally. One way to de-stigmatize cannabis use is to educate ourselves and share that knowledge with others. Learn about the benefits and drawbacks of cannabis use and the many ways it can be consumed. It is with education that we can begin to dismantle propaganda initiated by The War on Drugs. Together, we can help people look at cannabis differently. Cannabis is plant medicine and can provide a natural alternative to traditional medicine such as opioids.
Be A Conscious Consumer
As a woman in this industry, I find it imperative to stand behind woman-owned businesses. In the cannabis industry, like many others, there’s a “boys club only” mentality when it comes to who consumers feel comfortable buying from and how their businesses are able to raise capital. Many investors are hesitant to give funding to women, while male-owned businesses have a better chance of receiving backing.
In addition to this, it may be trendy to purchase product from “mainstream“ brands, however, supporting those in areas that are the target of harsh drug laws means so much more. This is because black and brown communities have been the ones mainly disenfranchised by the prohibition of cannabis. So, let’s make a commitment to buying smart! Buy from and recommend minority-owned and woman-owned businesses. This gives woman-owned, and black/ brown-owned businesses the same opportunity to build wealth in this industry as other races.
Join An Organization
Joining an organization helps builds a sense of community among other supporters that advocate for cannabis reform, social equity and racial justice. There’s strength in numbers.
Vote
Participating in local, state, and federal elections is important in letting your voice be heard. Cannabis is still illegal on the federal level, however, the Obama Administration made it so that individual states have the power to decide if they are going to legalize cannabis or not. Signing petitions, familiarizing yourself with the laws in your state, contacting your senator, and voting for candidates during election that support reform, are all ways to advocate for change. If done correctly, the legalization of cannabis could expunge drug records and let individuals out of prison for cannabis use/sales. This would be a great help in undoing the harm prohibition has caused in our communities.
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