Social Justice Partners

There are few communities more openhearted and giving than the cannabis community. That’s right, countless dispensaries, growers and cannabis clubs are known for their focus on helping others.

Whether it’s providing free marijuana to those in need or donating thousands of dollars to worthwhile causes, cannabis businesses have a huge impact on the lives of those around them. And there’s no better time to talk about cannabis giving than during the holiday season…

As recreational cannabis users in California celebrated their new legal rights to enjoy cannabis, critically ill and financially strained patients prepared to face a new challenge: The charitable donations of free cannabis that enabled their treatment would no longer be allowed.

The California cannabis industry is strongly rooted in…

It’s easy to forget the medical cannabis movement’s roots were planted by the benevolence of activists. People like “Brownie Mary” Rathbun and other activists laid the groundwork for a compassionate crusade. But after Proposition 215 passed in 1996 and obtaining a card became as easy as a five-minute consultation, marijuana’s charitable value was overshadowed by its offer of easy recreational pleasure…

Cannabis companies across the country are doing much more 'good' than just providing a product or service or even spurring economic activity. Many are embarking on their own campaigns of philanthropic giving, hoping to aid the neediest in their communities. In a recent post, GreenState reported on some fantastic charities in California, shedding light on what cannabis companies are doing for good in that particular state…

The North American cannabis industry took in approximately $9 billion in sales in 2017, according to Tom Adams, managing director of BDS Analytics.

This figure—calculated before California opened its huge retail market—is equivalent to the entire snack bar industry. Looking ahead, analysts predict the North American market to grow to $47.3 billion within a decade…

As cannabis legalization has grown to create a booming economic contribution, more and more ganjapreneurs and cannabis organizations are seeking ways to give back to their communities through philanthropic endeavors. While, this isn’t always easy due to many non-profits hesitancy to accept funds from marijuana-related donors due to potential federal repercussions or antiquated stereotypes associated with cannabis, there are a host of ways the cannabis community has found to contribute to the greater good…

Politicians in Colorado, California, Oregon and other states where the robust marijuana industry’s billions flow have been happy to capitalize on the bounty—the bounty of money, and the bounty of people with money, eager to convert their cash into political influence.

As the Los Angeles Times reported, the cannabis industry has a clear favorite (and chief beneficiary of their generosity) in the race to…

Last November, seven more states legalized marijuana, increasing the total number of states where the use of marijuana in some capacity (recreational or medical) is not illegal to twenty-eight. Overall, the legal marijuana industry could gross as much as $20 billion in revenue by 2020. Many of the new businesses making up the legal marijuana industry are looking to give back to their communities, but many nonprofits are hesitant to accept their donations…

Tim Cullen ran into an unexpected obstacle recently when he decided it was time his cannabis business should start donating money to nonprofit organizations.

“I have been shocked at how few places will take our money,” said Cullen, CEO of the Colorado Harvest Company chain of shops and a shareholder with O.penVape, a company that makes vape pens…