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Real Talk: Why Your Cannabis Business Needs to Give a Damn About Giving Back

January 20th, 2025

3 min read

By Clarke Lyons

cannabis-philanthropy
Real Talk: Why Your Cannabis Business Needs to Give a Damn About Giving Back
6:31

Listen up, because I'm about to drop some truth bombs about the cannabis industry that you need to hear. This isn't just another corporate responsibility lecture—this is about legacy, respect, and actually making a difference.

Let's be real: The cannabis industry wasn't born in some cushy boardroom. It was birthed through blood, sweat, and years of fighting against a system that criminalized people just for trying to live their lives. Those activists, those community warriors who risked everything? They're the reason you're sitting here today, running a cannabis business and actually making money.

So here's the deal—you owe something bigger than your bottom line.

The Brutal Honesty of Giving Back

Imagine building a successful business on a foundation paved by people who faced jail time, stigma, and complete social rejection. Sounds heavy, right? Because it is. Your success isn't just about your entrepreneurial skills—it's about standing on the shoulders of true rebels who fought when it wasn't profitable, when it wasn't safe, when it wasn't even legal.

72% of cannabis employees believe their companies should actively support social justice causes. That's not just a statistic—that's your team telling you they want to be part of something meaningful.

Your Philanthropy Isn't a Checkbox—It's a Responsibility

Here's how you start:

  1. Talk to Your Team: Your employees aren't just workers—they're storytellers. Every single person in your cannabis business has a reason for being here. Maybe they've seen a loved one benefit from medical cannabis. Maybe they've witnessed the devastating impact of drug criminalization. Their stories are your roadmap to authentic giving.
  2. Local Impact Matters: Find organizations in your community doing the hard work. We're talking about groups helping formerly incarcerated individuals, supporting mental health, creating economic opportunities in marginalized communities. This isn't charity—this is repair work.
  3. Make It Personal: When you celebrate employees who volunteer or support causes, you're not just giving them a pat on the back. You're saying, "I see you. Your passion matters." That builds loyalty faster than any corporate perk ever could.

Causes That Actually Mean Something

Not sure where to start? Here are some legit options that aren't just feel-good moments:

  • Criminal Justice Reform: Last Prisoner Project is doing incredible work getting non-violent cannabis offenders out and supported.
  • Community Reinvestment: Check out groups like Hood Incubator that are creating real economic opportunities.
  • Mental Health Support: Mental Health America offers resources for communities deeply impacted by cannabis stigma.
  • Veteran Support: Weed for Warriors Project is changing lives for veterans who've found relief through cannabis.

The Raw Truth About Impact

Here's what most businesses won't tell you: Your philanthropy isn't just about feeling good. It's about building a brand people actually respect. Consumers are smart. They can smell performative activism from a mile away. But genuine commitment? That creates advocates, not just customers.

When you give back in a way that's authentic, you're not just running a business. You're continuing a movement.

Your Legacy is Bigger Than Profits

Think about the cannabis pioneers who fought when it wasn't cool, when it was dangerous. They didn't do it for Instagram likes or quarterly reports. They did it because they believed in something bigger.

Now it's your turn. Your philanthropy should reflect the industry's journey—supporting social justice, creating economic equity, breaking down stigmas.

The Personal Cost of Prohibition: Understanding the Human Impact

Let's get real about the human toll of cannabis prohibition. This isn't just a policy issue—it's about lives destroyed, families torn apart, and generations impacted by systemic racism and discriminatory drug laws. Every cannabis conviction represents a human story of lost opportunities, broken dreams, and potential stolen away. Your philanthropy isn't just a corporate strategy—it's a form of healing, a way to rebuild what decades of misguided policies have broken.

Navigating Intersectionality in Cannabis Giving

Genuine philanthropy starts with understanding that the impacts of cannabis aren’t one-size-fits-all. Communities of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and other marginalized groups have unique experiences with cannabis prohibition. Your giving strategy needs to be as nuanced as the communities you're supporting. It's not about a one-size-fits-all approach, but about creating targeted, meaningful support that addresses specific systemic barriers and individual needs.

The Power of Collective Healing

Cannabis isn't just a plant or an industry—it's a catalyst for collective healing. From medical applications that help manage chronic pain to mental health support, cannabis represents more than a product. Your philanthropic efforts can help transform societal narratives, break down stigmas, and create spaces of understanding and rehabilitation. By supporting holistic healing initiatives, you're doing more than giving back—you're helping rebuild communities that have been systematically marginalized.

Building Bridges, Not Walls

The future of cannabis philanthropy is about connection. It's about creating ecosystems of support that transcend traditional boundaries. This means building networks between entrepreneurs, supporting cross-community initiatives, and creating platforms where marginalized voices aren't just heard—they're amplified. Your business can be a bridge-builder, connecting resources, opportunities, and hope across different communities and experiences.

A Final Wake-Up Call

This isn't about throwing money around. It's about intentional, meaningful action. It's about recognizing that your success is directly linked to communities that were criminalized for decades.

You're not just selling a product. You're part of a legacy. A movement. A continued fight for justice and understanding.

So ask yourself: Are you just another business, or are you going to be a catalyst for real change?

The choice is yours. But trust me—the cannabis community is watching, and they're waiting for businesses that actually give a damn.

Ready to turn talk into action? Let's make some real impact.