When I was a kid, along with my family's consumption, this is what represented weed for me. It was fun, silly, chill, and not a big deal at all. Even back then I knew this type of "stoner" stuff was just an act. But today, much of the fun can sometimes be missing in this space. People word-police, complain, and get into their feelings about certain things we call the plant. Some folks (mainly new to the plant science-y types) think that everything has to be so "professional" so we don't hurt the legalization push. And that for us and this plant to be accepted into its rightful place into society, we should consume for certain reasons or act a certain way. I've got news for you, that's not how this works! We do this our way, because conforming to societal standards is the death of creativity and joy. People are so focused on running their business and making money that they forget why they wanted to be a part of the industry to begin with; and if it's money, you're in the wrong place. We have always been a subculture with our own way of doing things, regardless of lame folks expressing their displeasure. If legalization to you means losing your sense of humor, you can miss me with that. So please, bring the fun back to weed, I need to laugh at something other than my bank account and disrespectful messages in my DMs. #cannabisculture #cannabiscommunity #cannabisindustry
I'm a relative novice to working in the industry and concur 100%! I've ran my own businesses (automotive industry) and I know that even if you have a passion for the industry you are in, the grind will take some of the shine away. This is an inevitable fact of life when you get behind the curtain. If you want to avoid this stay at the hobby level. But for those that decide to create a business or make a career in any industry they are passionate about, put on your armour because the Jaded Army will relentlessly try and conscript you to their team. Crabs in the bucket will always try and bring you back to the status quo. Resist in a positive and polite manner, and prove that you can be fully immersed into an industry, aware of its shortcomings and room for improvement, AND YET still be joyful and grateful. The alternatives are A) move to an industry you have no emotional ties to, or B) Contribute to the negative energy in the space you once loved, appreciated and were grateful to even have an opportunity to anticipate in.
Yup, the “ mood “ is to heavy surrounding the cannabis industry. Weed culture is diametrically opposed to how the cannabis industry is now functioning. When are peoples interests concerning legalization going to be heard? Probably never, unless we unite and speak up. We have the collective power, influence and money - it simply needs to be organized and strategically utilized
Thannnnnkkkk youuuuuuuuu. I have felt like an island on LinkedIn for feeling that way.
I was so excited to start exploring dispensaries when I first got my med card. It's been pretty disappointing going to a different Dispo every time, and mostly there's none that make me want to call it my home Dispo. Nothing that makes me want to buy anything extra or ask questions or look around or return or refer anyone else to shop there. Dispos need a vibe. The absence of personality makes me feel unwelcome, or intrusive. It doesn't stimulate my imagination or generate curiosity or have anywhere comfortable to sit . I want a personal experience. I want to be a regular customer and know my budtenders and owners. I need to feel the love to show the love. Somebody hire me to bring the love to your shop!
It's the predatory capitalists. They have no soul, therefore, no sense of humor, no caring or concern for everyday people living on a budget that has them choosing between food, rent, medicine, etc. Predatory capitalism wrecks all industries in America. The downfall of the cannabis legalization movement has been the proud haughty C-suite predatory capitalists. The same type of people who profit off the news. NOT GOOD!
As I keep learning about cannabis culture, it makes me want to stay in the industry to keep it going! The industry has really drawn me in as I’ve enjoyed being part of this and am thankful I get to be in this industry vs any other industry I could be in. It also makes for good conversation and seeing that people from my past are accepting and willing to have those conversations even though I grew up in a fundamentalist bubble. Cannabis is truly a special plant and I’m so grateful to be one small part in growing this space and breaking down stigma.
Dude, spot on. Having survived growing up with DARE, the stigma needs to go. Bring back giggling
"We do this our way, because conforming to societal standards is the death of creativity and joy." ...SO WELL SAID, DUSTIN ! FATNUGS, mantra ?
Hemp Production and Research
1yThanks for bringing this up. We regularly confront some extremely serious and life changing issues being in this business. The speed at which the nonstop problems come at us leads to fatigue and being jaded. That's a lot of collective stress to carry and it often comes out in our community disputes. I see so many people fighting that to me appear to be on the same side. I'm guilty of spreading negativity, too. The industry definitely needs a levity transplant. I'll take a fat one.