How Cannabis Connects People from Different Backgrounds & Beliefs
In a culture where cannabis has long been associated with negative stereotypes, there is a growing movement to break the stigma that surrounds this ancient plant. As more and more states and countries legalize its use, people from all walks of life are discovering the profound impact that cannabis can have on forging connections and bridging gaps.
Written by Hannah Vysoky | Edited by Andy Andersen
Jaene Leonard connects with a Compassionate Veterans member at a community event.
At Scary Plants, we delve into the power of cannabis in bringing people together, of nearly any background or belief. We’ll explore how this plant fosters unity, understanding, and a sense of community among individuals who may otherwise have little in common.
The Evolution of Cannabis Perception
In the last two decades, the United States marijuana landscape has been through significant transformations.
State cannabis laws have shifted and expanded, giving rise to a patchwork of regulations nationwide. Enforcement policies from the White House are beginning to shift, and Congress is beginning to acknowledge the necessity for reform. Public support for legalization has surged with broader recognition of the plant’s potential benefits, and state lawmakers have boldly supported the movement without fear of compromising backlash.
Through these interconnected actions, the stigma surrounding cannabis is slowly but surely fading, connecting people from different backgrounds and beliefs in shared recognition of the plant’s therapeutic potential.
Breaking Stereotypes and Challenging Assumptions
We’ve all heard the stereotypes: lazy, unmotivated, and disconnected from society. The truth is, cannabis enthusiasts and patients come from all walks of life, each with their unique perspectives and stories. By debunking cannabis user stereotypes, we can embrace the plant’s potential to connect people in ways we never thought possible.
People have used different types of plant medicines for generations in all parts of the world. And, when used responsibly, cannabis can also encourage empathy. Those who share cannabis in a group setting report experiences of a communal state of mind, helping them gain deeper understanding of one another’s experiences. By altering our perceptions, this plant helps create a space where conversations flow freely, biases can dissolve, and genuine connections can emerge.
Aaron Newsom of Santa Cruz Veterans Alliance stands in the company’s Watsonville cultivation center.
Cannabis and Healing
Cannabis has shown remarkable potential in helping people overcome personal challenges and find solace amidst life’s hurdles. With its therapeutic benefits, it has become an instrumental tool in managing mental health issues and restoring balance to daily lives.
For veteran Aaron Newsom, co-founder of Santa Cruz Veterans Alliance (SCVA), cannabis opened up a path to healing, both physically and mentally, and a successful transition from military to civilian life.
“I had quite a difficult time transitioning out and kind of figuring out what my role in society was,” says Newsom, who came home from service with a challenging combination of shoulder, neck, and mental health issues. [Cannabis] was a huge tool that I utilized. I was lucky enough to be able to start growing myself and producing my own medicine, and I wanted to give a portion of that back to the other veterans that I knew in the area.”
So Newsom started the SCVA, which initially provided horticulture therapy to veterans and later transformed into a licensed cannabis business following California legalization. Over 100 veterans receive a free donation of SCVA cannabis products each month.
“I’ve seen this plant help so many people,” adds Newsom. “Not just with their day to day, but helping them maybe take an alternative path in life, in a direction of a more natural healing modality while also introducing them to camaraderie and alternative ways of helping the veteran community heal from decades of war and trauma.”
From anxiety and depression to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain, this plant has demonstrated its massive potential to help the body stabilize and ease painful symptoms. Its ability to induce comprehensive relaxation can pave the way for enhanced emotional connections and improved interpersonal relationships among those who might otherwise be bogged down by severe ailments.
Anders Winther and Linci Comy greet one another at a Compassionate Veterans event at Root’d in the 510 Dispensary in Oakland, Calif.
Cannabis as a Tool for Social Change
Activists worldwide recognize cannabis as a catalyst for positive social transformation. And their stories show how the plant bridges the gaps between socioeconomic classes, cultural divides, and political ideologies.
In San Francisco, the birthplace of the medical marijuana movement, low-income and terminally ill folks depend on vital community organizations for safe and affordable access to medicine. Founded as the Sweetleaf Collective in 1996, helping 5 AIDS patients, Sweetleaf Health Equity now helps a network of more than 3,000 patients in the area get free medical cannabis.
“There was a lot of PTSD in my queer friend group because [AIDS] had just decimated the community,” says Sweetleaf founder Joe Arione aka “Sweetleaf Joe” of the collective’s early days. “Cannabis was important because it didn’t just help medically. It was also helping psychologically. It gave people peace of mind. It brought people together. People would share their cannabis.” Sweetleaf Joe was also a key player in ensuring the passage of The Dennis Peron and Brownie Mary Act, creating a better legal framework for licensed cannabis retailers to donate medicine to eligible patients. Today, Sweetleaf Health Equity is advocating for a more robust nonprofit sector of the cannabis industry to meet the needs of millions of low-income patients who could benefit from the physical and communal aspects of the plant.
From Sweetleaf Health Equity’s dedication to inclusivity to SCVA’s commitment to supporting veterans, these entities are driving positive change in the landscape of medical cannabis access. Through their courageous efforts, these activists utilize cannabis as a catalyst for change, shining a light on social justice issues and creating a more inclusive society for all.
Cannabis Fosters Community
It’s time to embrace the potential of this peculiar plant as a tool for connection, understanding, and positive change. Cannabis has the potential to bridge gaps and transcend barriers, enabling individuals to find common ground and empathy along the path to great well-being. Highlighting the stories of people who benefit from the plant’s therapeutic use is how we honor the advocates who work tirelessly for safe and affordable access for all.