The Leaf THE LEAF Sept-October 2019 | Page 23

#3) Share your story As I stated previously, Green Flower team members are big fans of encouraging people to 'come out green.' We strongly support people sharing their story of being a responsible cannabis consumer. It is easy for opponents to bash something that they don't relate to, but it is much more difficult to bash something that they know their friend or loved one benefits from and uses responsibly. When cannabis prohibition is something a person doesn't deal with, they are less likely to support ending it. However, when a face is put to cannabis prohibition, or even the stigma that remains after legalisation, it increases the chances of them getting on the right side of history. #4) Recognise that the industry reflects on the entire community When I ask non-cannabis consumers why they support cannabis reform, the most popular answers involve the emerging cannabis industry. People like the fact that the cannabis industry creates jobs, generates tax revenues that benefit everyone, and boosts local economies. The cannabis industry is what they think of when they think of cannabis reform. But that can be a two-edged sword. Just as the cannabis industry can be a great thing that ends the stigma for a lot of people, it can also create more stigma if the industry is not being responsible. Cannabis businesses that sell to minors or companies that cut corners that lead to recalls don't help reduce the stigma – they help keep it in place. Responsible cannabis consumers need to realise this and only support cannabis companies that are good stewards of the cannabis plant. In doing so consumers do their part in helping reduce the stigma via the cannabis industry. #5) Support reform efforts in a meaningful way One of the top ways to help end the stigma is to help end cannabis prohibition which is the foundation that the stigma surrounding cannabis is based on. If you truly love the cannabis plant, you should be doing your part to help make it free and help ensure that people are not thrown into the criminal justice system for a plant that is safer than alcohol. The cannabis plant isn't going to legalise itself. It is the responsibility of all responsible cannabis consumers to do their part to help free the plant. In doing so, you will help reduce the stigma for cannabis consumers everywhere. Knowledge of Cannabis Fundamentals Is Important for Everybody https://www.green-flower.com/articles/363/5-ways- to-help-get-rid-of-the-stigma-around- cannabis?lgf=true