Covid-19 Is ChangIng The Way People Think About Cannabis – Green Entrepreneur
Posted: August 28, 2020 at 5:56 am
August 27, 2020 9 min read
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
As a rabbi who works in the cannabis industry, Im considered safe.Neighbors, friends, even fellow clergy approach me with questions and requests: How do I join the program?Does cannabis help with [fill-in-the-blank]?Do you have any samples?The questions vary, but the conversations usually end the same way:
Rabbi, please keep this between us.
Of course, I respond, Your secret is safe with me!
But inside, I know that keeping quiet about cannabis is ultimately dangerous.Secrecy perpetuates the stigma and shame that have for too long accompanied cannabis in American culture. Butin the Age of COVID-19, secrecy may no longer be necessary.
Related:We Need to Clear the Smoke About Cannabis in the Workplace
In early March 2020, as the Coronavirus spread across the country and cities were plunged into quarantine, Americas reliance on cannabis became undeniable. Legal dispensaries were beset with long lines andrecord-breaking sales, asthe public feared that stores would soon be forced to closed. Relief set in when 27 states enacted stay-at-home orders that allowed access to cannabis in some form. Twenty-three states would deem cannabis as essential as bread and milk. Almost overnight, COVID-19 made clear whatindustry insiders, patients, and woke medical professionals had long known: Cannabis is essential to the healthcare and self-care of millions of Americans.It was a revolutionary moment that was a long time in the making.
Opinions about cannabis have been rapidly evolving since the mid-1990s, when California became the first state to legalize the medical use and sale of cannabis.Since then, cannabis has been on a steady track toward mainstream acceptance. In 2017, the Washington Post reported that more than half of U.S. adults had tried cannabis at least once in their lives, and a 2019 Pew Research poll revealed that 91 percent support the legalization of cannabis in some form.
Related:Is Cannabis Recession-Proof? COVID-19 Puts The Theory To The Test
Today, nearly a quarter-million Americans make their living working full-time in the cannabis industry.Thats more people than work in U.S. steel, iron and coal combined!While these numbers are astonishing, they dont tell the whole story.Despite the value that Americans place on cannabis, not a single health insurance company provides coverage for cannabis-related medical expenses. Only a handful of medical schools educate their students in its use.Cannabis remains a Schedule 1 Drug in the eyes of the Federal Government (on the same level as heroin), with no accepted medical use.Even more humbling, in 2018, 40 percent of U.S. drug arrests were for cannabis-related offensesmostly possession.A 2020 analysis by the American Civil Liberties Unionconcludedthat black people were nearly four times more likely than whites to be arrested, and in some states six, eight, or almost ten times more likely to be arrested.
This is the paradox of cannabis in America.
In recent months, as state after state hosted press conferences declaring cannabis essential, users across the country rejoiced, but most did so quietlythe result of nearly a century of anti-cannabis laws and propaganda.Cannabis may enjoy widespread public acceptance in the polls, but its use remains laden with stigma and shame.For many, cannabis is something to be kept hidden, out-of-sight of judgmental neighbors, concerned family members, and narrow-minded co-workers.
However, COVID-19 presents an opportunity to address this paradox head-on. Government-issued stay-at-home orders and self-quarantining practices have forced many of us into closer proximity. Cannabis users have had to upendlong-established practices for keeping cannabis use private.The smell of cannabis smoke emanating from a backyard patio or seeping out from an upstairs closet has forced many families (and neighbors) to have difficult conversations, which some have spent years avoiding.Quite a few cannabis users have reached out to me to discuss these tensions.The questions I hear the most: If cannabis is an essential medicine, why am I vaping it in my basement bathroom?And why am I so scared to admit I use it?Is it OK to hide from my own family?
What happens when self-care and well-being through cannabis are suddenly a conversation that we must have with our loved ones because were sharing the same living space?And how do we handle the guilt and shame that can accompany cannabis use? Because I'mboth a Rabbi and the Director of National Outreach for a national cannabis company, people ask methese questions all the time.
First, lets differentiate between guilt and shame, which are too often used interchangeably. Guilt is the sense that ouractionsare problematic shame is the belief thatweare problematic.The impact of feeling guilt vs. shame is also distinct. While guilt can be a stimulus for human development and self-improvement, shame is more often stifling and destructive.In other words, you can bemotivatedby guilt andparalyzedby shame.
In many religions, guilt is a component of spiritual practice.Shame, on the other hand, is not. A2019 studyby the American Psychological Association explained that guilt made individuals feel remorse, tension or regret. While shame left them feeling small, worthless or powerless.Guilt is an acknowledgment that we do better.Shame stops us from even trying.The time has come to extricate shame from cannabis.
If shame thrives in secrecy and darkness, then the antidote is bringing our cannabis use into the light. Of course, not everyone is free to share their cannabis story.Many reside in states where cannabis remains illegal, and others risk losing a job if the news came out.But for those of us able to have the conversation, it is crucial that we do.
Talking about cannabis can leave us feeling vulnerable, frustrated and defensive, especially when faced with harsh judgment.Take a few deep breaths and remember that most Americans have been taught since grade school that cannabis is a dangerous, illicit drug with no redeeming qualities.Approach your conversations from a place of compassion and empathy.Remember to be as real and honest as possible.
Here are some tips that I hope you find helpful:
Myth #1: Cannabis is a crime.
Fact:Thirty-threestates and the District of Columbia allow cannabis in some form.While the federal government has been slow to reclassify cannabis, Congress has passed the Rohrabacher-Farr Amendment ensuring state cannabis laws are respected.Stay safe by learning about cannabis laws in your state(check out the Marijuana Policy Project at mpp.org for more info).
Myth #2: Cannabis users just want to get high.
Fact: Not every cannabis product aims to get you high. In fact, many products dont even contain the chemical responsible for the feeling of being high (THC).The industry is moving toward micro-dosing of cannabis, where users take a small dose of THC (2.5mg or less) that does not have noticeable psychoactive effects. It is also important to recognize that the chemical responsible for the cannabis high (THC), is critical to alleviating pain and increasing appetite (important for people on chemotherapy or even, COVID-19).Want to go even deeper?Explore what makes your loved one so opposed to feeling good (or high) from cannabis. Do they feel the same way about a glass of wine?
Myth #3: Medical cannabis is just an excuse to legalize pot.
Fact: Just because medical cannabis opened the door to full legalization, does not mean it is a farce!Remember, lots of meds can be recreational and still legitimate(ex. ketamine, opioids/morphine, barbiturates, etc).
Myth #4: Cannabis is dangerous.
Fact:Despite what the DARE officer told you in school, cannabis does not kill brain cells.Recent studiespoint to cannabis having neuroprotective properties.Consider that the federal government owns one of the only patents on cannabis, Patent #US6630507B1: Cannabis as a Neuroprotectant (meaning it works toprotectbrain cells from harm).
Dr. Gupta covers his evolution regarding the therapeutic use of cannabis.Afterward, share your thoughts and experiences on how using cannabis has helped you and your loved ones.
This isnt about winning a debate.Frame your conversation by stating that you dont want to hide from the ones you love the most and that you hope this conversation brings you closer.Keep this in mind before you get into a fight about statistics or over something your mom heard from a friend. Return to this loving intention if you become frustrated or emotionally triggered.
In her writing about National Geographic Magazines racist past, award-winning journalist Michele Norris, commented: Its hard for an individualor a countryto evolve past discomfort if the source of the anxiety is only discussed in hushed tones.COVID-19 has laid bare the absurd paradox of cannabis in 2020 America and has given us the time needed to turn our kitchen tables into places of dialogue.If cannabis is essential to our health and wellness, its time we share our stories. Let us no longer be shamed into silence. Today more than ever, our voices are needed. Together, we can accomplish so much.
Go here to see the original:
Covid-19 Is ChangIng The Way People Think About Cannabis - Green Entrepreneur
- Too Busy to Read? Use These Educational Audio Courses Instead - MakeUseOf - December 1st, 2020
- Garett Bolles Opens Up on the Epiphany That Led to him Becoming NFL's Top-Graded Left Tackle - Sports Illustrated - December 1st, 2020
- A Guide to Substantially Improving Your Life in 3 Frugal Ways - University Herald - December 1st, 2020
- Lucifer: 5 Things We Love About Dan (& 5 Reasons We Hate Him) - Screen Rant - December 1st, 2020
- People share the life hacks that sound terrible but really work - New Zealand Herald - December 1st, 2020
- The 3 Most Important Questions to Ask Before If and When You Stop and Ask for the Business by Sofiya Machulskaya - ABCmoney.co.uk - December 1st, 2020
- Aiteos 21 Years of Consistency and Commitment to Serving Africas Communities - THISDAY Newspapers - December 1st, 2020
- The Big Business of Being an Ally - ELLE.com - December 1st, 2020
- Self-improvement guru sentenced to 120 years for turning some followers into sex slaves - WJW FOX 8 News Cleveland - October 28th, 2020
- 5 self-improvement books that will change your life - Prestige Online - October 28th, 2020
- 7 Reasons Vegans Are More Likely to Be Women Than Men - The Beet - October 28th, 2020
- David Byrne on Voter Suppression, Self-Improvement, and Why the Talking Heads Still Wont Reunite - IndieWire - October 4th, 2020
- FT Assistant Store Manager job with Tory Burch | 147475 - The Business of Fashion - October 4th, 2020
- 'Assistance provided by govt to help improve people's lives' - The Borneo Post - October 4th, 2020
- Hunting the big wave: Topsail's Gianni Pike perseveres through challenges of autism - StarNewsOnline.com - October 4th, 2020
- 'The 100' series finale review: Who wants to live forever? - Hypable - October 4th, 2020
- Cort McMurray: Bake that bread. Write that novel. Self-improvement is hard, but its liberating. - Houston Chronicle - September 30th, 2020
- Pisces: Avoid getting into needless debates with others - The Bethel Citizen - September 30th, 2020
- Jay Shetty and Ranveer Allahbadia come together to talk about the various aspects of self-improvement - Times of India - September 30th, 2020
- Being Alone vs loneliness: What is the difference between THESE two states? - PINKVILLA - September 30th, 2020
- 20 Best Documentaries on Hulu - Hulu Original, Crime, and More Documentaries - GoodHousekeeping.com - September 30th, 2020
- Why Aubameyang Passed Up Big Offer From Barcelona To Stay At Arsenal - International Business Times - September 30th, 2020
- 3 Signs DocuSign Could Be the Future Leader of a $45 Billion Industry - The Motley Fool - September 30th, 2020
- Getting to the Meaning of Mariah Carey - The Ringer - September 30th, 2020
- Saraki, Fayemi Commend Adenuga's Influence on Nation Building - THISDAY Newspapers - September 30th, 2020
- Endgame: Each Avenger's Reaction To The Snap Revealed Their Key Weakness - Screen Rant - September 30th, 2020
- The Pandemic Has Accelerated and Spawned Trends That Startups and Small Businesses Can Leverage - Direct Selling News - September 30th, 2020
- Walters named coach: I can unite Broncos and return to finals next year - NRL.COM - September 30th, 2020
- Take your career to the next level with this hands-on entrepreneur training - Boing Boing - September 10th, 2020
- Mike Signorelli Shares 3 Habits That Develop Simple Living & High Thinking Lifestyle - Yahoo Finance - September 10th, 2020
- Small Changes That Can Improve Your Confidence In Your Appearance - We Heart - September 10th, 2020
- 6 apps and tech innovations that could help you find your dream job - Northumberland Gazette - September 10th, 2020
- Gain clarity with a life audit - Eve Woman - The Standard - September 10th, 2020
- Grupo Bimbo May Be Coming Out Of Hibernation, As Improving Market Share Can Drive Better Margins And Stock Multiples - Seeking Alpha - September 10th, 2020
- Opinion | There's more to Daddy Issues than meets the eye - The Breeze - September 10th, 2020
- The Great Bed Making Debate: Are you a make-every-day or do you love the nest? - ABC News - September 10th, 2020
- NTCA Names 2020 Tile Setter Craftsperson of the Year Awardwinners - Floor Focus - September 10th, 2020
- Self regulation code adopted by Disney+ Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video and other OTT platforms could either be a - Business Insider India - September 9th, 2020
- Why Americans Really Go to the Gym - The Atlantic - September 9th, 2020
- The Case For Meditation: Why Everyone Should Try It - StyleBlueprint - September 9th, 2020
- SJM says first Grand Lisboa Palace recruitment drive attracted 2000 job-seekers - Inside Asian Gaming - September 9th, 2020
- What Happened to Woojin? Shocking Updates on the Ex-Stray Kids Singer - Distractify - September 9th, 2020
- Parks and Recreation Offering Fall Tennis, Tae Kwon Do and Dance for East Hartford Youth - easthartfordct.gov - September 9th, 2020
- Global AI in Education Market (2020 to 2025) - Featuring IBM, Amazon and Microsoft Among Others - Yahoo Finance UK - September 9th, 2020
- Joy Zinoman, ever the innovator, takes acting to a higher level via Zoom curriculum - DC Theatre Scene - September 9th, 2020
- Donald Trump Wants You To Believe His BS Narrative about BLM and Protests! Wake Up America to What is Really the Truth... - Ringside Report - September 9th, 2020
- In Fallout of Black Appropriation in US, Echoes of Debate on Dalit Representation in India - The Wire - September 9th, 2020
- How to find your unfair advantage and succeed as an entrepreneur - YourStory - September 9th, 2020
- 'Law and order impeded governance, development' The Shillong Times - The Shillong Times - September 9th, 2020
- What's on TV: Friday, September 11 to Thursday, September 17 - Brisbane Times - September 9th, 2020
- New book discusses about leadership and everything that it embodies - GlobeNewswire - September 9th, 2020
- What's the Use of a University? - Brooklyn Rail - September 9th, 2020
- Started Drinking a Little Too Much During Quarantine? This Upper West Sider Teaches You How to Moderate - westsiderag.com - September 9th, 2020
- Outsourcing the Accounting Aspects of Your Self-Storage Operation - Inside Self-Storage - September 9th, 2020
- Podcast Week: New Sarah Grynberg series and book, SpokenLayer arrives - Mediaweek - September 9th, 2020
- A global history of the Freemasons - The Economist - August 28th, 2020
- Gemini: Ignore those looking to stir the pot or bring you down - The Bethel Citizen - August 28th, 2020
- 'Good to Know' Review: JoJo forms dream team with Demi Lovato, Tinashe in sultry album that cut out Tory Lanez - MEAWW - August 28th, 2020
- Finding a Good Mentor: What You Need to Know - Uloop News - August 28th, 2020
- Who Is Sarah Edmondson And What Role Did She Play In NXIVM (And It's Downfall)? - Oxygen - August 28th, 2020
- Everything new coming to FOXTEL ON-DEMAND this September - TV Blackbox - August 28th, 2020
- Judge Sentences Arcata Man to 11 Years to Life for Attempted Murder, More Than a Year After a Jury Convicted Him of the Crime - Lost Coast Outpost - August 28th, 2020
- An interview with Ervin Cohen & Jessup discussing dispute resolution in the United States - Lexology - August 28th, 2020
- The Power of Positive Thinking: Too Much and Never Enough - The Bulwark - August 28th, 2020
- We must not deny racism, but we must also not exploit it to stop reconciliation - Daily Maverick - August 28th, 2020
- Why the COVID-19 Pandemic Might Actually Be Helping Your Dating Life - AskMen - August 28th, 2020
- HIV Self Tests Market: Rise in adoption rate of HIV self-tests is projected to drive the market - BioSpace - August 28th, 2020
- Online Training Courses and Programs Help Workers and Employers During Pandemic - University of Arkansas Newswire - August 28th, 2020
- Metallica drive-in show, Jason Aldean backyard concert top this weeks virtual concert picks - cleveland.com - August 28th, 2020
- Soldier on Afghanistan ambush that earned him Medal of Honor - Brinkwire - August 28th, 2020
- Finding Success By Believing In Yourself: Lailah Alese Has Mastered Self Growth In Order To Perfect Her Businesses. - Yahoo Finance - August 25th, 2020
- Your stars August 25 - News from southeastern Connecticut - theday.com - August 25th, 2020
- Horoscopes Aug. 25, 2020: Blake Lively, be open to suggestions - Vacaville Reporter - August 25th, 2020
- Your stars August 24 - News from southeastern Connecticut - theday.com - August 25th, 2020
- Losing weight, gaining dreams: How Mike Breedens transformation turned into an MMA career - MMA Junkie - August 25th, 2020
- Explore hidden treasures of the Freemasons at Cedar Rapids Masonic Library - The Gazette - August 25th, 2020
- Aaron Rodgers Has Been Sharp in Camp and He Explains Why Sort Of - Sportscasting - August 25th, 2020
- Your stars August 22 - News from southeastern Connecticut - theday.com - August 25th, 2020
- This trans woman served her country. Now she may be banned from rugby - Outsports - August 25th, 2020
- Self-charging, thousand-year battery startup NDB aces key tests and lands first beta customers - TechCrunch - August 25th, 2020