Sincere intentions lead to meaningful industry connections. The cannabis industry serves so many different types of people, it was almost a given that this community would eventually begin to polarize. We are seeing this divide now as more pro-cannabis campaigns ramp up nationwide.
There are some activists who believe that “no regulation is the best regulation,” and likewise there are entrepreneurs who would sacrifice all humanistic elements of this legacy industry in order to turn a profit. Neither are helping the movement, and luckily, both are rare.
Steering clear of the extreme ends of the spectrum is incredibly important in this industry, and being aware of and constantly reevaluating your company culture, as well as your messaging, can help you avoid falling to one end of the spectrum or the other.
“If you radicalize a movement, you alienate a good portion of the population. I think the cannabis industry has done a very good job at showcasing the plant as approachable and offers something for everyone…Being open and respectful of other’s responsible use preferences have, in my opinion, done a lot to further the cannabis cause.” – Meghan Larson – CEO and Co-Founder of Adistry.
The vast majority of cannabis entrepreneurs are advocates as well, at least to some degree. While not all cannabis entrepreneurs and advocates consume cannabis, typically they share similar beliefs that cannabis should be decriminalized, and similar aspirations that one day the negative stigma of the plant will be but a distant memory. Wherever you fall on the spectrum, here are some tips for balancing cannabis advocacy with your business model:
Decide who your target audience is, and how you want them to perceive you.
As more states propose and implement legalization measures, this industry is slowly becoming fragmented into recreational vs. medical proponents, and some that fall in between.
If you’re in financial services, clients may not be interested in hearing about any direct involvement with medical marijuana – and depending on the regulations in your state, it could even hurt you. On the other hand, pandering too much to the medical marijuana community may come off as inauthentic unless you can back it up with some solid philanthropy and a cooperative business model. Claiming to have policy influence and expertise will definitely backfire at some point unless you’ve got a full-time employee poring over policy in all 50 states.
When acting as an advocate, stick to what you know and do best, while keeping an open mind to helping others in the industry do the same.
Think Globally – Act Locally
If you do choose to take an activist stance (or at least support activism in the industry), decide exactly how you want to help and always keep a focused scope on your goal.
Ron Kolb, Founder of Sensi Media Group in Denver, got into the cannabis industry while trying to help his son, who is on the autism spectrum. He’s now starting a foundation for children on the spectrum to receive cannabis medicines, enlisting the help of local cultivators to donate a small percentage of their grows to produce these specific strains.
“When I think about advocacy, I think about purpose! In business, too many of us are just going through the motions,” said Kolb. “When your business is about purpose, it rallies people, and the work becomes about the mission. With people united around a mission, huge things happen.”
Is your interest in expanding safe patient access in the United States? Get involved with your local chapter of ASA, NORML or other patients’ rights groups, attend their meetings and stay networked. More interested in bringing cannabis to a foreign market? Sponsor an international conference in that country or region, while inviting other companies or individuals in your area to join you on the trip. Is your goal to change drug laws worldwide? Start locally to build momentum and show that you understand the various power structures involved in drug policy.
Get The Word Out!
Sometimes, simply participating and showing your solidarity with a movement is the best thing you can do as an advocate.
If your goal is to make an impact on pediatric patients, hold a benefit or fundraiser for the family of a child who needs medical marijuana treatment. More interested in pushing policy forward? Host an official campaign fundraiser gala, or plan a company-wide day off to assist with ‘Get Out The Vote’ (GOTV) efforts. Last but certainly not least, you can provide your services at a low or pro bono rate in order to help those in need.
Adistry’s Meghan Larson shared some insight into how she gives back to the cannabis community: “Really what I think is most important is to contribute your talents and hard-earned wisdom to the movement, in whatever way you can. There is never an act too small. How Adistry does this is by offering free (whenever possible) advertising for nonprofits in the cannabis industry.”
Cashinbis donates to an organization called CannaEffect – they have a similar mission to ours, only instead of sharing stories of entrepreneurs and innovative businesses, CannaEffect shares the true stories of patients and advocates nationwide, getting them the attention they deserve for their cause and changing minds about medical cannabis.
Advocacy can open many doors in the business world if done correctly. When you take a sincere position on cannabis and work collaboratively to make your vision a reality, others in the industry will see that and want to network with you. Cannabis is a plant that naturally connects people – follow its lead to success!
Are you an advocate and a cannabis entrepreneur? How do you balance your cannabis advocacy with your professionalism? Join the conversation and comment below!
