How cannabis changed my life

Although they represent different locations on a spectrum, recent posts from Brian G. & Megan Mbengue, MSMCT, BSN, RN - followed by talks with my colleague Matthew Tomko have inspired me to reflect on the importance of how we educate children about cannabis. Cannabis has been stigmatized, misunderstood, & weaponized in narratives that vilified both the plant & the people who used it. As a leader in the cannabis industry, one of my greatest responsibilities is educating the next generation, specifically my daughter. My approach? Transparency + balance. In our home, cannabis isn’t in her face, nor is it hidden in fear. Not a panacea, but definitely not demonized. We discuss it with care & clarity, explaining that it is a medicine—powerful, life-changing even—but only for those who need it. It’s not a remedy for colds or a scraped knee but a solution for those with serious conditions like cancer or autism, where pharmaceutical medicines might fall short. I’ve told my daughter that cannabis has been unfairly presented in our culture & others, & that these misconceptions have unfortunately spread like wildfire. I also make it clear that while cannabis is an incredible plant, it’s not something for her to explore until she is a young adult with a fully developed brain. We all need time and space to understand our bodies, our minds, & how we approach health. Cannabis can be responsibly used for leisure, but that too is something I emphasize belongs to a different stage in life. As a father, I don’t avoid the topic, but I also don’t place it on a pedestal. She has learned to identify even the most abstract watercolor representations of the plant as “medicine plants.” It’s special, yes—but it’s not the focal point of our discussions. My daughter is healthy, & for her, that’s all that matters right now. Truth is, I believe we owe our children honest conversations, not half-truths & avoidance. Hiding from reality doesn’t empower them—it does the opposite. We’ve seen it time & again in programs like DARE, which, ironically, introduced me to substances I had never even thought about. Instead of dissuading me, they piqued my curiosity. Misinformation about cannabis & psychedelics back then did more harm than good, demonizing substances that, under the right circumstances, heal. I see this echoed in the world today, even among the patients I serve. Some question parents who bring their children along to dispensaries—though no one bats an eye when they accompany them to fill prescriptions at the pharmacy or browse the shelves of a liquor store. It’s the stigma speaking, not logic. I believe in setting an example that’s rooted in respect for the truth. Cannabis isn’t necessarily for everyone—but the truth about it should be. As professionals, parents, & educators, it’s our duty to break the cycles of misinformation & give our children—& society—a clearer, more informed perspective. Not to encourage, not to entice, but to empower.

🌱 Addressing Cannabis Stigma: A Path Forward 🌱 Despite the significant progress we’ve made in the cannabis industry, stigma surrounding cannabis use still remains. Many people associate cannabis with negative stereotypes, hindering personal acceptance and industry growth. A recent article in the New York Times highlights this ongoing stigma, illustrating how societal perceptions continue to shape conversations around cannabis. As a certified Ganjier, I’ve witnessed firsthand the benefits of cannabis as a wellness product, yet I recognize the challenges we face in reshaping perceptions. Here are some effective ways to combat cannabis stigma: 1. Education and Awareness Launch informative campaigns and community workshops to highlight the medicinal benefits and safe use of cannabis, fostering understanding and acceptance. 2. Personal Stories and Representation Encourage individuals to share positive experiences and amplify diverse voices in the cannabis community to reshape narratives and reduce stigma. 3. Professional Advocacy Engage with policymakers and collaborate across industries to promote responsible cannabis use and access, normalizing its place in society. 4. Creating Safe Spaces Develop environments for open discussions about cannabis, encouraging responsible engagement without fear of judgment. 5. Promoting Responsible Use Emphasize the importance of moderation and advocate for high-quality, transparent products to build trust and confidence in cannabis. By taking these steps, we can collectively work to dismantle the stigma surrounding cannabis and create a more informed and accepting society. Let’s unite as advocates for change, fostering understanding and acceptance for the benefit of individuals and the broader community. What are your thoughts on addressing cannabis stigma? I’d love to hear your insights! #CannabisStigma #Ganjier #Education #Advocacy #CannabisCommunity #Acceptance #Wellness #NewYorkTimes

I've been wanting to post this for a long time, and it's long one. Here it goes... Something I don't often share with people in the cannabis industry is my personal history with cannabis. Growing up in the 80s, my father was both a distributor and an advocate for cannabis. I found myself lying about his real name and profession due to legal issues he faced, and that was just the beginning of a complex relationship with the plant. My childhood experiences, compounded by school education, led me to view my parents and cannabis in a negative light. I share this now because I understand and relate to those who have had a troubled relationship with cannabis. Misinformation and childhood experiences clouded my understanding of the plant's true nature. It wasn't until I was an adult, at the lowest point in my life, that I turned to cannabis. I initially used it to numb my pain, but instead, it became my lifeline, pulling me out of the darkness and making me feel alive and grateful again. This experience sparked my curiosity. I dove into research and education, discovering the benefits of cannabis. I made it my mission to share this knowledge and dispel the myths surrounding the plant. I wanted to show the world that "stoners" are more than just people getting high. We are parents, teachers, managers, doctors, engineers, artists, lawyers, entrepreneurs, scientists, and so much more. We're a diverse community of professionals and everyday people who benefit from cannabis. In the traditional market, there was a sense of unity. We were all working towards the same goal: breaking the stigma of cannabis, proving that stoners are productive, and highlighting the plant's benefits for everyone. But now, it feels like the industry has shifted. It's become exclusionary, with brands and users divided into "custys" and "the culture," and newcomers to the industry labeled as "corporate" or "Chads." Isn't this exactly what we wanted to change? We fought to open minds to cannabis and to create a welcoming community. It feels like a club now, and this is not what I fought for. This is not what I've spent the last 10 years trying to change. I'm here for the parents, grandparents, and ailing individuals who need cannabis, and the ones you call "custys." Let's remember our roots and continue to build an inclusive community where everyone feels welcome and benefits from this incredible plant.   #CannabisCommunity #BreakingTheStigma #InclusiveCannabis

Cannabis Illusions:  Lies We Tell Ourselves “Live not by lies.” Russian author and dissident Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn was arrested on February 12, 1974.  That day, he released a short statement that has since become a manifesto for people in times of disorder. The full statement is worth reading, but it can be boiled down to the above 4 powerful words. “We lie to ourselves to preserve our peace of mind,” Solzhenitsyn observed at the end of his warning. “If we are too frightened, then we should stop complaining that we are being suffocated. We are doing this to ourselves.” It’s time many in the cannabis community took Solzhenitsyn’s counsel to heart. Given industry issues and the personal challenges they trigger, we can no longer afford to live by self-deception. We lie to ourselves for many conscious and sub-conscious reasons: > Wilful ignorance, committing to a soothing narrative or wishing to ‘fit in’ with our peers > Cognitive dissonance > Hubris But sooner or later, reality bites. Wearing rose colored glasses can be dangerous for your professional and emotional health. To wit:  - Potemkin Village-style environments are breeding grounds for unethical behaviour and politicking; - Pathological managers will find and exploit the professionally immature and vulnerable; - Market illusions are a rickety foundation for sound strategic and tactical decision making. Many employees deal with their frustration by doubling down on their beliefs.  Unfortunately, the longer your head is in the sand the bigger will be the inevitable emotional, financial, and professional crash.   Some of these lies, or more charitably half-truths and myths, will include: 1. Cannabis can be fully legalized in the US versus today's uncertain, haphazard approach. Cannabis will not be a major electoral issue come this November. Given political and social realities, there is little chance of complete liberalization in the medium term 2. Stigma is evaporating  It is but slowly.  Social attitudes don’t change quickly or easily, and frankly cannabis is just not that important for many people. Like alcohol, there will always be a cannabis temperance movement. 3. Major institutional capital will soon enter our industry Perhaps (IC is a large, heterogenous space) but the premise rests heavily on your definition of ‘poised’, what eventually happens on the regulatory front and where the equity markets are heading.   Don’t get me wrong. I’m an optimist and see a bright future for cannabis. However, I’ve learned the fastest route to success and enlightenment is by being a critical thinker and seeing things as they are not what I wish them to be. What lies do you hear? Subscribe to my free newsletter (link in comments), the Cannabis Management Review, for more unique content. 🔔 Hit that follow bell to always get my unique, impactful content #cannabis #cannabisindustry #LPS #MSOS

I’m pleased today to introduce to you the European Black Minority Cannabis Association The European Black Minority Cannabis Association (EUBMCA) was born from my personal experiences and a deep-seated desire to address the disparities within the medical cannabis industry. Through my journey, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative potential of cannabis for development and wellbeing, as well as the significant barriers faced by Black communities in accessing these benefits. 🎯Our Mission: EUBMCA aims to empower Black entrepreneurs, professionals, and patients by providing resources, advocacy, and education. We are committed to promoting social equity, addressing systemic inequalities, and ensuring that Black communities have equitable access to the benefits and opportunities within the medical cannabis sector. 📈 Economic Empowerment: EUBMCA supports Black-owned businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry through mentorship programs, networking events, and access to capital. I believe in fostering economic growth and creating sustainable business models that benefit our communities. 🩺 Health and Wellness: We advocate for the medicinal benefits of cannabis and work to ensure that Black patients have access to safe and effective treatments. By promoting research and education, we aim to dismantle the stigma around cannabis use and highlight its potential to improve health outcomes. ⚖️ Social Equity: Addressing the historical injustices of cannabis prohibition is at the core of our mission. EUBMCA fights for policy reforms that expunge past convictions, promote fair licensing, and ensure that those most affected by the War on Drugs are included in the industry's future. 📚 Education and Advocacy: Through workshops, seminars, and public outreach, EUBMCA provides accurate information about cannabis, its benefits, and the industry's opportunities. We empower individuals to make informed decisions and advocate for policies that prioritise justice and inclusion. 🌟 Join Us: Be part of a movement that is reshaping the narrative around cannabis and creating a more inclusive and equitable future. Whether you're an entrepreneur, healthcare professional, or advocate, EUBMCA offers a platform to connect, learn, and grow. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter, healthier, and more prosperous future. Join EUBMCA and be part of the change! Want to stay up-to-date with what is going on? Follow our Page for the latest updates. #EUBMCA #CannabisEmpowerment #SocialJustice 🌱✊

Our Executive Director, Mackenzie Slade, MPH, literally wrote the book (chapter) on cannabis policy innovation. Mackenzie had the opportunity to write a chapter in the book Regulated Cannabis and Hemp Market Navigation, where she discusses the unique challenges of policy innovation within the rapidly evolving cannabis landscape and the grand and, at times, contradictory goals of protecting public health, promoting equity, displacing the illicit market, and supporting the regulated cannabis industry. An implementation scientist by training, Mackenzie imparts her wisdom based on years of policy experience with a three-pronged framework for how to truly innovate cannabis policy: looking outward, forward, and inward. Give it a read, and let us know your thoughts!

This is such great work and analysis. The cross-section here in policy and information science is untapped and waiting to be utilized. You hit the nail on the head Mackenzie Slade, MPH, in the concepts and guidances you have exampled and outlined in these 14 pages. This is a must read if you work in #cannabispolicy or the #cannabisindustry. Examples from the incubator states like Colorado, Michigan, Maine, and newly legalized Maryland, are highlighted in examples of the policy-industry delicate dance being done in the now, 24 adult-regulated cannabis states. Ohio Department of Commerce, our toes are on the line ready to go and this is an awesome primer. We are at the brink of simultaneous regulatory change here in Ohio while the Federal Scheduling is about to change. While moratoriums are popping up denying AU access, take a read here how Ohio can save years of missteps. Tracking and tracing have cleared paths of information particular to each state to sift through and prioritize. Data on policies and their regulatory frameworks are begging for use and purpose to improve economies of scale for industry success while tempering one of the most feared issues in Cannabis policy - the illicit market. Thank you for your expertise and willingness to step into your strengths in analysis and policy to shed the light of information science into policy making and industry economics.

❓How to Talk About Cannabis with Your Parents 🧒Discussing cannabis with your parents can be challenging, especially if they have different perspectives. With cannabis becoming more mainstream, now is a great time to open the conversation. Here are some tips for different types of parents: 🧐The Skeptical, Needs-Information Parent Times have changed, and there's more information on cannabis than ever. Provide educational materials like articles or documentaries to help shift their perspective and dissipate any negative stigmas. 😎The Unclear-Opinion Parent If you’re unsure of your parent’s views on cannabis, start the conversation with a current event related to cannabis. Gauge their reaction and proceed from there, based on their response. 🤯The Anti-Cannabis Parent For parents who are against cannabis, it might help to provide new, credible information. Share studies and research on how cannabis can aid conditions like epilepsy, anxiety, and cancer. Even if they don't change their mind, they may gain a better understanding of its medicinal benefits. 😍 The Former Smoker Parent If your parent used to smoke, rekindle their interest by discussing modern cannabis consumption methods, new strains, and terpenes. Share stories from their past and show how the art of joint rolling has evolved. 🤩The Chill, Current Smoker Parent If your parent currently enjoys cannabis, suggest a session together. Celebrate special occasions by sharing your favorite strain or gourmet edible, making it clear that you can enjoy this experience together. ✅Approaching this topic with sensitivity and tailored information can open up meaningful conversations and possibly change some perspectives. #CannabisCulture #CannabisCo #Colorado #Denver