Eloise Theisen’s Post

Several times a month I hear “We need more education.”  Does “We” refer to people in cannabis businesses? People in healthcare? The consumer? The people against cannabis? The general public? This confuses me because there is an abundance of cannabis education and research available a click away. There are nonprofits founded by nurses that offer education and resources for patients and consumers. Almost every state, including Nebraska where marijuana is not legal, offers college classes on cannabis history and business related topics. There is a plethora of cannabis education!!! It has been my experience over the decade that both budtenders and consumers are knowledgeable about the plant. Cannabis consumers know what they like and why they like that strain or product. Medical Marijuana consumers understand what works best for them and the role cannabinoids and terpenes not high THC plays in the effectiveness of a cannabis product. Are algorithms or entering the wrong words into an internet search preventing people from accessing cannabis information? With the expansion of legal cannabis into 38 states and D.C., WCCC does not need to focus on education. As a chamber of commerce WCCC is focused on helping women with cannabis careers and companies achieve their goals, agendas and financial success. WCCC connects women who bring their experiences and skillset to the table. They provide a wealth of knowledge on how to navigate the cannabis space. Through the Conversations with Women in the Cannabis these women share resources and insights. January 29th Conversations with co-host Marianne Cursetjee, MBA 🦋☀️ M, Alibi Cannabis, included the Kannabis Librarian, a representative of Salal Credit Union, a cannabis accountant, cannabis content creator, a Doctor, a woman launching a website offering products for menopause and other women specific health issues, a HR person, and more. Each woman had so much valuable business information to offer. BUT, the Conversation was not about their insights as cannabis entrepreneurs. It was a pleasant Conversation focused more on personal consumption and experiences. This switch from business to personal began in October. Was there a switch from wanting to connect on a business level to “we just want to talk”? You can Google education and listen to podcasts and webinars. It is rare to have an intimate conversation with women in the cannabis space on what to avoid, what they have learned, and how you can make your services or business of more value and expand your market base. WCCC exists to serve members.  Has the Conversations with Women in the Cannabis Industry run its course?  Do we need to keep the Conversations and add a monthly“Let’s Talk” Zoom? How can WCCC better serve our member’s business needs? What do You need for more Success?  https://lnkd.in/gCfxb2a #womenscannabischamberofcommerce #womenincannabis #womencannabisbusinesses #cannabisentrepreneurs

The Legacy of Cannabis Stigma and Legalization In Outsiders (1963), Howard S. Becker outlined how society labels deviant behaviors, marginalizing those who engage in them. Cannabis users have long been cast as "outsiders," and the Canadian War on Drugs particularly impacted Black and Indigenous populations. Owusu-Bempah and Luscombe’s 2021 study reveals that these communities faced disproportionately high cannabis arrest rates, reinforcing systemic inequality. The 2016 Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations and the 2018 Cannabis Act were milestones in shifting away from criminalization toward a regulated industry. In 2019, amendments further expanded the market to include edibles, topicals, and extracts. However, while legalization opened new economic opportunities, it also highlighted the need for inclusivity, especially for racialized and Indigenous groups still affected by the historical stigma around cannabis. In British Columbia, the Liquor Distribution Branch (2018) centralized cannabis wholesale operations. Enforcement of regulations by the Ministry of Public Safety’s Community Safety Unit (2019) targeted unlicensed operations, disproportionately affecting Indigenous businesses. This strict oversight disregarded the economic and cultural importance of cannabis to many First Nations communities. Indigenous Rights, Reconciliation, and Cannabis The First Nations Leadership Council (2018) advocates for the inclusion of Indigenous communities in the cannabis industry. The council calls for a regulatory framework that supports Indigenous sovereignty and economic participation, ensuring that First Nations are not excluded from the booming cannabis market, which could otherwise perpetuate colonial inequities. This tension in cannabis regulation mirrors broader struggles for Indigenous rights and reconciliation in Canada. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (2015) exposed the atrocities of the residential school system, and the discovery of unmarked graves at these schools (Schmidt, 2021) underscores the lasting trauma Indigenous peoples face. For many, the cannabis industry is seen as both an economic and cultural opportunity for healing and rebuilding community strength. Yet, as Owusu-Bempah and Luscombe (2021) demonstrate, racialized communities still face systemic barriers in the cannabis space, from arrest disparities to unequal business opportunities. To move toward true reconciliation, Canada’s cannabis regulations must address these inequities. In conclusion, Canada’s cannabis story is deeply intertwined with its colonial past, ongoing racial injustices, and efforts toward reconciliation. For Indigenous and racialized communities, full participation in the cannabis industry represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Bridging the gap between regulation and social justice is critical for ensuring that cannabis legalization fulfills its promise of equity and healing.

OCT 10, 2024 3:15 PM PDT "Cannabis Information Sources: Trusting Friends Over Government" WRITTEN BY: Laurence Tognetti, MSc Where do #people most often get their #information #regarding #cannabis? This is what a recent #study #published in the Journal of Cannabis Research hopes to #address as a #team of #researchers led by the University of Michigan Medical School investigated the #methods by which #everyday #citizens receive their information regarding cannabis, specifically #pertaining to its #legality, which comes on the heels of its #classification from a #ScheduleI to #ScheduleIII #drug recently being #recommended by the Department of Health and Human Services. For the #study, the #researchers conducted a #survey of 1,161 #participants ages 18 and up regarding their cannabis #use within the past #year, #reasons for use, and the #sources where they #obtain their information regarding cannabis. The #participants consisted of 51 #percent #women and 49 percent #men with 27 percent #reporting using cannabis within the past #year. Regarding their sources of information, 35.6 percent reported it was from #family and #friends, 33.7 percent reported it was from #websites, 9.3 percent from #healthcare #providers, 8.6 percent from #employees where the cannabis was #purchased, and 4.7 percent was from #government #agencies. The study #concludes by saying, “In this #nationally representative survey, we show that most people #draw information about cannabis from friends and family or #online, with very #few #consulting their #healthcare #provider or government #agencies. As cannabis #accessibility and #legality is increasing, there is a strong #need for better #clinician #education, #public #outreach #strategies, and #improved #communication between #patients and clinicians about cannabis.” This #study comes as #recreational and #medical cannabis continues to be #legalized across the United States, with only four states (Idaho, Wyoming, Kansas, and South Carolina) classifying cannabis as “fully #illegal”. What new connections between cannabis and sources of information will researchers make in the coming years and decades? Only time will tell, and this is why we science! As always, keep doing science & keep looking up! Sources: Journal of Cannabis Research, Marijuana Moment, DISA Global Solutions Inc.

UK cannabis patients living in the context of prohibition Dr. Lindsey Metcalf McGrath and Dr Helen Beckett Wilson’s research on the experience of UK cannabis patients has been published in Critical Social Policy. The study identifies the challenges faced by people who are legally prescribed cannabis in a context where it remains otherwise criminalised. Cannabis prescribing was legalised in the UK in 2018 but the current lack of NHS prescribing is means that (legal) access to cannabis medicine is limited to those who can afford private healthcare. The lack of awareness of the law change – among the public and professionals – is contributing to stigmatising attitudes and additional stress for patients. Some are anxious about telling family, landlords or employers about their prescription. Some fear medicating in public spaces. The paper demonstrates how patients respond to cannabis stigma, for example by concealing their use of the medicine, by trying to distinguish themselves from people taking non-prescribed cannabis, or by educating people about medical cannabis. The research highlights the need for programmes of training for police and healthcare professionals. Organisations, public transport providers and venues also need to do more to protect patient rights, provide safe medicating spaces and tackle stigma. Article from Emily Walker @LJMUIMPACT You can read the full paper here: https://lnkd.in/er-J4pdv

Truly honored to have met Steve DeAngelo, a pioneer and visionary in the cannabis industry. His passion for reform, advocacy, and innovation is inspiring, and our conversation left me motivated to continue exploring the possibilities in this ever-evolving space. Here's to breaking barriers and making a difference! Cannabis Pioneer: Known as the "Father of the Legal Cannabis Industry," Steve DeAngelo has been a leading advocate for cannabis reform for over four decades. Co-Founder of Harborside: Established one of the first and largest licensed cannabis dispensaries in the United States, Harborside, based in Oakland, California. Advocate for Social Justice: A strong proponent of cannabis policy reform, focusing on ending prohibition and addressing social justice issues related to cannabis criminalization. Author: Wrote the influential book The Cannabis Manifesto: A New Paradigm for Wellness, which explores the therapeutic benefits of cannabis and advocates for its responsible use. Cannabis Entrepreneur: Co-founded several cannabis-related businesses, including Steep Hill Labs, a pioneering cannabis testing facility, and The Arcview Group, a cannabis investment network. Cannabis Media Personality: Frequently featured in documentaries, interviews, and speaking engagements advocating for the normalization of cannabis use and its integration into mainstream society. Supporter of Medical Cannabis: Played a critical role in advocating for the use of cannabis as medicine and was instrumental in shaping California’s medical cannabis regulations. Prisoner Advocacy: Co-founder of the Last Prisoner Project, a nonprofit dedicated to cannabis criminal justice reform and supporting individuals incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses. Visionary Leader: Known for promoting sustainability and ethical business practices in the cannabis industry. Award Winner: Recipient of numerous awards for his contributions to cannabis advocacy and entrepreneurship.

Looking for something fresh in cannabis content? So am I. There are so many unresolved debates in the cannabis industry that need real, no-holds-barred discussion. After a chat with my friend Mark Collins over at Highly Capitalized Network-HCN, it was clear that we could take things to the next level. Enter Stirring the Pot—our new debate show. Shoutout to Peter Su, CTP, CCBP, CCCE, GRCP, GRCA, IDPP, ACBP, CBE for nailing the name right away! The twist? Topics are randomly chosen, and positions decided by a coin flip. No favorites here—each debater has to argue their side passionately or feel the heat. Some, like Jay Czarkowski, loved the concept—until he realized he couldn’t pick his topic. But that’s the point: this is what the cannabis industry needs—challenging our thought leaders, pushing boundaries, and having real, meaningful conversations. With HCN’s audience of over 70,000 industry pros, we're ready to make waves. Here’s a sneak peek of our regular debaters: Mara Gordon – Founder of Aunt Zelda's, a pioneer in medical cannabis who’s guided countless patients and doctors through the complexities of cannabis treatments. Seth Yakatan – CEO of Katan Associates International, with over $1 billion raised for cannabis clients. His content consistently ignites conversations on LinkedIn. Peter Su – Director of Specialty Banking at Hannover, a leader in cannabis banking compliance and a social media powerhouse. Laurie Parfitt – Founder of LKP Impact Consulting, LLC, with 20+ years of experience driving innovation for startups and Fortune 500s alike. Mark Collins – President of Highly Capitalized Network-HCN, an independent cannabis news platform. He previously worked at P&G, Kraft Foods, and CNN, and served as CFO for Grupo Flor. He has a strong LinkedIn following. Guy Rocourt – That’s me. After co-founding Papa & Barkley, I’m launching my own clean-label cannabis brand and moderating Stirring the Pot. I’ll keep the debates sharp and focused. These industry heavyweights—and more—will appear in rotating episodes. Think you’ve got what it takes to jump into the debate? DM us if you’re ready for the challenge. We’re also seeking sponsors to help take Stirring the Pot to the next level with a live studio. If you're interested, reach out! The first episode drops next week. Follow me here where I will be posting the episodes. You can get them at Highly Capitalized Network-HCN here on LinkedIn and by subscribing free at highlycapitalized.com. You won’t want to miss this. Stirring the Pot is just getting started—are you in? #cannabis #stirringthepot #thecannabisdebates #cannabisindustry #newpodcast

Ok. Here’s my solution. Health Canada has agreed with the recommendation to have community pharmacy dispensing. I would include prescribing, as well. Clinics are not working, patient numbers declining. Ease of access denied. I propose a pharmacy trial, with cannabis flower, using our dose metering, data collecting vaporizers and data platforms. As we use in clinical trials. The collected patient data uploaded to a Health Canada medical cannabis research data base. In exchange HC pays costs for pharmacies. Would have 5 pharmacies here in Nova Scotia , working with Dalhousie University School of Pharmacology, NS Health , Health Canada. Have contacted the owner of the pharmacies, he is open to discuss. Next , bring in both levels of govt. and present to Dalhousie. They will participate. Imagine the amount of data generated, from across Canada for research ! This would enable the medical community to be involved, and greatly improve patient outcomes. Leading to insured coverage for all prescribed cannabis patients, and KO the black market. Anybody have a better idea? Ryah.com

Being a pharmacist in the cannabis field has been deeply rewarding, but it wasn't easy to get here. Stepping away from the more "traditional" pharmacist role had people raising their eyebrows and questioning my sanity. IMO, there are 5 common challenges that pharmacists face when deciding to work with cannabis due to professional stigma. 💊 Negative perception from peers: you might fear colleagues judging or even ostracizing you from daring to enter the cannabis sector. (Buy hey, haters gonna hate, right?) 💊 Public misjudgment of professional credibility: you may be concerned that working with cannabis might make people doubt your expertise or integrity. 💊 Lack of support from traditional healthcare institutions: it's like some institutions are stuck in the Stone Age—often lacking the infrastructure and support for integrating cannabis practices. 💊 Difficulty integrating with conventional pharmaceutical practice: you may wonder how to weave cannabis and all of its complexities into everyday medication therapy management. Perhaps the biggest struggle: 💊 Not having all the answers: Look, it's not our fault we didn't have the chance to learn about cannabis and the endocannabinoid system back in school. But opportunities to learn now are abundant. It's never too late! (but even in "traditional pharmacy, do we really have all of the answers? 🧐 Just sayin') If you're determined to overcome these challenges and soldier on, you can have a rewarding career working with cannabis—just like me 🙋🏾♀️ Besides, with the potential of cannabis being rescheduled currently on the table, it's only a matter of time before patients start demanding answers to their cannabis questions. And trust me, they'll be knocking on your door sooner than you think. Have any questions about being a pharmacist in the cannabis field? Hit me up in the comments or DM me! 🌿🌿🌿🌿 Hey, I'm Meg! A 'neurospicy' pharmacist turned ghostwriter dedicated to amplifying the voices of cannabis founders and crafting impactful educational email campaigns (EECs) to boost their outreach. Want proof? Check out my FREE cannabis EEC linked in my "featured" section. Whether you’re launching a groundbreaking product or want to elevate your presence in the space, I can help. DM me to talk shop!

OCT 10, 2024 3:15 PM PDT "Cannabis Information Sources: Trusting Friends Over Government" WRITTEN BY: Laurence Tognetti, MSc Where you people most often get their #information regarding #cannabis? This is what a recent #study #published in the Journal of Cannabis Research hopes to #address as a team of #researchers led by the University of Michigan Medical School investigated the #methods by which everyday #citizens receive their #information regarding cannabis, specifically pertaining to its #legality, which comes on the heels of its #classification from a #ScheduleI to #ScheduleIII drug recently being #recommended by the Department of Health and Human Services. For the study, the researchers conducted a #survey of 1,161 participants ages 18 and up regarding their cannabis use within the past year, reasons for #use, and the sources where they obtain their information regarding cannabis. The #participants consisted of 51 percent #women and 49 percent #men with 27 percent reporting using cannabis within the past year. Regarding their #sources of information, 35.6 percent reported it was from #family and #friends, 33.7 percent reported it was from #websites, 9.3 percent from #healthcare #providers, 8.6 percent from #employees where the cannabis was purchased, and 4.7 percent was from #government #agencies. The study concludes by saying, “In this #nationally #representative survey, we show that most #people draw #information about cannabis from friends and family or online, with very few #consulting their healthcare provider or #government agencies. As cannabis #accessibility and $legality is increasing, there is a strong need for better #clinician #education, #public #outreach strategies, and improved #communication between patients and clinicians about cannabis.” This study comes as #recreational and #medical cannabis continues to be #legalized across the United States, with only four states (Idaho, Wyoming, Kansas, and South Carolina) classifying cannabis as “fully illegal”. What new #connections between cannabis and sources of information will researchers make in the coming years and decades? Only time will tell, and this is why we science! As always, keep doing science & keep looking up! Sources: Journal of Cannabis Research, Marijuana Moment, DISA Global Solutions Inc.

Medical Cannabis got us here -- let's not forget about it now! In the U.S., cannabis isn’t just a cultural buzzword—it’s a lifeline for countless patients. From managing chronic pain to soothing symptoms of conditions that traditional medicine couldn’t touch, medical cannabis has stepped up in ways that many prescriptions haven’t. But here’s the thing, simply having the states' and the patients' acknowledgment of its benefits doesn’t automatically mean patients can access it safely or affordably or feel suipported in doing so. So what? Who care? Think about it: a patient tries everything—medications, therapies, advice from that one aunt who swears by essential oils—and nothing works. Then cannabis enters the picture, and suddenly, relief isn’t just a dream. That’s the reality for many people. Agencies like HHS and FDA acknowledging cannabis' medical potential is a huge win. (Cue the collective sigh of relief from advocates who’ve been shouting this from the rooftops for years.) But recognition is just the first step, especially since the law still codifies cannabis as an illegal drug. So here’s the question: What can we actually do to make a difference? We need a system where medical cannabis is treated LIKE as any other prescribed medication—consistent quality, accessibility, and research-backed safety-- but not exactly like a prescription medicine, because it isn't that. It's a plant medicine. A natural medicine. And natural medicine require different frames works. How can we keep this conversation going and get to a place where medical cannabis is not just accepted, but supported? Educate: Share facts, not fear. A lot of stigma comes from misinformation and bias. Be honest. Be sincere. Keep educating. Advocate: Send that email, write that letter, or call your representatives—whatever it takes to amplify patient needs. DO IT NOW! WRITE YOU CONGRESSPERSON: https://lnkd.in/gdy6PG-T Support: Join advocacy groups (like ASA), engage in discussions, and lend your voice to the push for better policy. Ya'll...We’ve got work to do. Cannabis patients can’t afford more delays. For their sake—and the sake of medical progress—it’s time to turn hope into action. #medicalcannabis #patientrights #advocacy