In honor of National Nonprofit Day, we’ve rounded up six organizations working to support the cannabis industry

The era of the clueless smoker is long gone.

Today, consuming cannabis means being fully aware of the pervasive effects of prohibition. More and more people are realizing that an easy step to becoming a conscious cannabis advocate is to research who produces and sells your pre-roll packs and eighth pop-tops, then buy from people-owned businesses. of communities traditionally targeted by drug laws.

You can also support a number of organizations whose goals range from policy reform to racial justice, including Portland-based NuProject, which works to uplift BIPOC cannabis entrepreneurs; the Oregon Handlers Fund, which provides low-income applicants with money for marijuana work permits; and the Last Prisoner Project, a national group that provides legal aid to non-violent cannabis offenders.

I’m a bleeding-heart cannathusiast, so naturally, ahead of National Nonprofit Day on August 17, I’ve put together another list of cannabis and cannabis-related nonprofits working towards a fair future. for every generation affected by the war on drugs. . Here are a few organizations to consider supporting the next time you have a little extra cash in your cannabis budget:

Cannabis Workers Coalition

This non-profit organization is a de facto union for cannabis workers, especially cannabis workers of color. Employees who are not members of a collective bargaining organization or who have been legally excluded from coverage under US labor laws can count on the Cannabis Workers Coalition to help them manage everything from incident reports to investigations. of the employer. The group also aims to improve working conditions by setting up training and direct awareness programs. Interested parties can donate directly or attend one of CWC’s delisting or hiring events.

Proposed Marijuana Policy

Marijuana Policy Project is the nation’s largest organization whose mission is to change federal law to allow states to determine their own cannabis policies. Founded in 1995, MPP was instrumental in establishing medical and recreational legalization that changed the landscape of contemporary cannabis culture. The organization has been the driving force behind ballot measures in Alaska, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana and Nevada. He continues to focus on regulating cannabis like alcohol in several other states, while pushing for medical cannabis bills in Nebraska, South Carolina and Tennessee.

Supernova Women

Women are a powerful force in the cannabis industry, and Supernova Women is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created to strengthen their involvement and influence, especially women in the BIPOC community. The organization prioritizes education, advocacy, and networking through the development of the groundbreaking Workforce Development for Social Equity Cohort, a highly specialized program that helps community members affected by the war on drugs. Supernova also commissions an annual report on the impact on social equity of concrete figures that illustrate the effectiveness of the group.

Cannaclusive

For users who want to contribute to a fairer cannabis industry but lack the extra funds to head to a favorite nonprofit, Cannaclusive has a great guide to minority-run cannabis businesses in every state to help buyers to make smart buying decisions. Bookmark its InclusiveBase page and use it as a reference when shopping in your neighborhood or traveling to other legal states.

women grow up

Women Grow is another outstanding program that supports women in cannabis. Created in 2014 as a way to invest in the next generation of female leaders, the group hosts seminars to help female founders continue their cannabis education and hosts events to build strong community networks. Women Grow envisions a future in which cannabis prohibition ends globally and wants women to be ready to lead in all facets of the industry once that happens.

Americans for Safe Access

Americans for Safe Access was born to support safe and legal access to cannabis for research and therapy. Founded in 2002 by marijuana patient Steph Sherer as an advocacy vehicle for other patients, ASA has since grown to include more than 150,000 active supporters in all 50 states, including medical professionals , scientists and stoners.