Cannabis Companies that are Giving Back to the Community

We all love to see the companies we patronize finding a way to give back to their communities or to the world at large. It feels good to know that the money we spend is being used, in part, to benefit others. For many of us, seeing some kind of philanthropic contribution is a requirement we have before we will become regular patrons of a business.

But cannabis companies face challenges that other industries don’t. Because cannabis is still categorized as a Schedule I substance and is illegal on the federal level, it’s more difficult for cannabis companies to work with philanthropic organizations. Some organizations are turned off by the stigma against cannabis, while others are afraid they might lose their federally-bestowed nonprofit status if they accept money that’s given to them from cannabis companies. Because it’s so difficult for cannabis companies to contribute in this way, those who manage to do so deserve special accolades for their efforts.

The Sublime Foundation Helps Veterans

The Sublime Foundation, established by cannabis manufacturing company Sublime Canna, is aimed at helping veterans deal with chronic pain without resorting to opioids. CEO Alex Fang highlights the dangers of opioids and the fact that they can often claim lives. Making cannabis available to those who have served our country is a noble pursuit. Many veterans live with pain that they struggle every day to mitigate, and making cannabis available to them is an important battle.

The Green Soul Foundation Focuses on Disadvantaged Populations

Historically, minority populations have been disproportionately affected by drug laws. That’s what the Green Soul Foundation aims to address. The goal of the organization is to allow people of color inroads into the growing cannabis industry, to help ensure that as the national mindset about cannabis evolves, minority populations are able to reap the benefits and take advantage of new economic opportunities. The foundation sees it as vital that, after years of being victimized by cannabis laws, people of color should not be shut out of the good that cannabis has to offer.

NORML Gives Back by Advocating for Legalization

NORML is a cannabis advocacy group that fights for the rights of cannabis users. Founder Keith Stroup decided to put his legal training to use to defend cannabis users and try to end the practice of treating them as criminals. The nonprofit has evolved with the times and now advocates for the interests of small business owners in the cannabis industry as well. They support minority entrepreneurs and use their legal expertise to address issues business owners are having with Congress.

FOCUS Keeps An Eye On Standard Development

FOCUS is an organization concerned with the development of standards of quality within the cannabis industry—a tough topic since there is currently no federal oversight. This lack of oversight makes it difficult for any consistency to occur when it comes to best practices. FOCUS is a nonprofit dedicated to consumer safety and public health, and its standards provide a framework for all stages of cannabis production, sale, and final product quality. FOCUS certification means that a business is living up to these high standards and that its product can be trusted by potential users.

The Association of Cannabis Specialists Provides Education

More and more, physicians are being asked to advise their patients about the potential benefits of cannabis. But medical schools have yet to rise to the challenge. That’s where the Association of Cannabis Specialists comes in. This nonprofit collects journal articles and materials for its member’s edification. It also provides consultation opportunities for physicians around the world, so that they can share things they’ve learned and helped grow the medical profession’s knowledge base about cannabis.

Veriheal

To further contribute to cannabis research, Veriheal offers financial aid scholarships to students that prove efficacy towards innovation in the cannabis space. Pursuing higher education is a big investment and can be a very significant expense. Students often take on hefty loans and grants to be able to fund it. These studies will undoubtedly be valuable for the future and will only help the cannabis industry progress. Veriheal’s Innovation in Cannabis Scholarship is intended to help students eager to revolutionize cannabis access and Veriheal is proud to be able to offer support where needed.  

One of Veriheal’s core standards is giving back. The company also donates to various charities and foundations such as Wounded Warrior Project, American Cancer Society, American Liver Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association, and Tourette’s Association of America. 

Hats off to all these fantastic organizations for the great work they do.