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 compassionate giving, and many brands, dispensaries and individual cultivators have made it a priority to give back to those in need. Whether it’s a free ounce passed on to a sick friend or neighbor, or making product donations to a compassion program, giving back has long been a big part of cannabis culture.

Now, however, things are getting more complicated. What was once just a generous act has become black-market philanthropy. The same regulations that are allowing for the recreational use of cannabis have made things difficult for those trying to help the ones who need it the most.

If you’re a cultivator or cannabis brand in California, giving back is not impossible — but it is much harder. Read on to learn more…