By Amy Matthews - Co-Founder of the Effective Cannabis Newsletter

Editorial piece by Effective Cannabis Newsletter co-founder Amy Matthews. Amy’s views and opinions are her own and she does not speak for every individual associated with the Effective Cannabis Newsletter.

Hello Dear Readers!

I am happy to have you with us in the Effective Cannabis Newsletter. We have been working hard to collaborate within the Cannabis education community and bring you top-quality, science-based information that you can rely on to advocate for yourself and improve your quality of life.

Months ago, when we began this project, we made decisions about our mission. Our mission is to deliver the content mentioned above to ALL adults who seek it. We chose a format of rotating topics each month. So stay tuned for the healthy brains issue next month and healthy gut in April. At the time, in our naiveté, we thought we would be launching much sooner. Unfortunately, we didn’t launch until last month due to tech and life challenges.

Why am I telling you all of this?

Because as we sat down to create this issue about healthy lungs, we realized that it was also Black History month in the United States. Given that we were very clear that we wanted to provide content about medical Cannabis for all, how do we address Black History month in the context of the healthy lungs issue?

The more important question is, “how could we NOT”?

Anyone that engages with the Cannabis plant for any period will usually start to notice a difference in their consciousness. It makes me see things more, process things better and understand things more clearly. This plant has given me gifts above and beyond my health; it has given me more clarity.

If you work in the Cannabis industry in the United States, you cannot deny the role that racism has played in Cannabis prohibition and the unequal enforcement of drug laws. In that case, you are very aware of how intertwined Cannabis prohibition is with the active and intentional repression, exclusion, targeting, and inequitable justice Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) have endured at the hands of the war on drugs. Furthermore, I believe it is my duty from the inside of this business to clearly state that it is not yet a thing of the past but something still happening in the present.

The cannabis industry is not necessarily hospitable or friendly to BIPOC people.

The hill gets steeper to climb if you are a woman, small business, or entrepreneur. The barrier to entry into this business at almost every level can be challenging, and there is no denying it is harder for some people more than others.

Our team included a regular advocacy section in our monthly newsletter; advocacy can mean many things in this context. We often speak of advocating for our health or the health of a loved one. Sometimes we advocate for better laws, such as removing Cannabis as a federally classified schedule one drug. But I would be remiss and unworthy of success in this industry if I didn’t acknowledge the heavy burden our fellow Americans of color carry when it comes to all things Cannabis, from consuming it without fear to advocating for it, to business, and up to the justice system. I know our challenges are not the same. So not only do I need to acknowledge it, but I also need to make sure I’m not part of the problem.

It is not lost on me that I have the luxury of being a cannabis patient in Texas, writing this blog, and creating this newsletter so easily due to my privilege. It would be tone-deaf for me to believe or say otherwise.

I have often had conversations with the BIPOC folks I have had the privilege to get to know on my journey through the Cannabis industry. So many times, what they say is, “hold space for us", “hold open the door,” “make us welcome,” “invite us into places we may not always be invited,” “support us,” “follow our social media and share it” and “buy our products.” To which my answer is yes, yes, yes.

I don’t say this to be putting on my “white knight” outfit. That’s frankly a bullshit move too. I say it because my wonderful, beautiful, knowledgeable, educated colleagues asked, and I have learned some lessons from it.

Do you know what their asking did? It made me conscious. Do I exclude? Not intentionally, but there is a tricky little thing about human nature where folks tend to gravitate to others they subconsciously deem “like them.” Maybe I wouldn’t think I belonged in my BIPOC colleague’s Clubhouse discussion, so I didn’t attend. Was I allowing unconscious bias to stop me from fully engaging with and benefitting from knowing my BIPOC colleagues? Not anymore.

I thank them for pointing it out and not calling me OUT, but calling me IN.

I admire the hell out of them because they carry a heavy burden that they didn’t create. Our laws, system, and society did. One thing I am clear on is that my job is not to add to that burden. My job is not to ask them to take care of me and my feelings around these tough challenges. My job is to address my unconscious bias and to speak to other non-BIPOC people about it so they can too.

Sometimes I worry about addressing these things because it can feel scary. What if I do it wrong? But to me, it feels even more dangerous to stay silent. They say silence is violence because that is how we got where we are. Plain and simple. When you know better, you do better. I can remove my blinders and open my eyes. We all can. If you are a non-BIPOC person, I invite you to join me. Just look a bit closer and ask yourself some of the questions I asked myself. See if you start opening up more and more in ways you didn’t realize you were closed off.

If you are a BIPOC person reading this, I am sure I have written this blog imperfectly.

I accept that, and I know I’m a lifelong learner on a lifelong journey. But I would have never done it if I had waited to do it perfectly. I can’t help but think that is part of why so many “well-meaning” folks have never made enough of a difference. They didn’t want to rock the boat or go to an uncomfortable place. But that breeds complacency and more of “the same.” So keep reading for more ways to support BIPOC businesses in the Cannabis space.

So, what can we do? What call to action can I give you from a blog post? Two things.

1) Pay attention (for my non-BIPOC readers) – start noticing your unconscious bias and adjust, bit by bit. 

2) Start with buying a product or service from a BIPOC business owner, engaging with their social media, and sharing their content.

We need a colorful tapestry of representation. Let’s stop gravitating toward what we know or “who” we know. Think about this, that product you purchase from a BIPOC individual probably had to go through so much more to make it to market. Chances are, it’s that much better!

Never fear; I have resources for you to help you out. One such resource is Cannaclusive.com. They have a database called InclusivBase. They created the database to facilitate fair representation of minority Cannabis consumers. They make it easier for brands to communicate with diverse audiences and ensure that minority consumers are not an afterthought but a valued ally in the fight for legalization and destigmatization.

Please check out their database and patronize some of the businesses. I have added just some of my favorite BIPOC colleagues below as well. I have big hopes and dreams for this newsletter and the future of medical Cannabis education and I’m not planning on doing it alone. I want a big, beautiful, diverse group of people along with me that are fighting injustice, pushing back on stigma and helping people find a path towards healing and better well-being. Who’s with me?

Cannabis Coaches and Educators that are Enriching my Life and Education

There are so many others, but this is who’s info I could get my hands on while writing this.

Kyona - Cannabis Educator, National Board Certified Ayurvedic Health Counselor, and International Certified Yoga Therapist

Website: https://kyveda-academy.teachable.com

Empress Modupe Olufunmi – Certified Cannabis Health and Wellness Coach

Website: http://www.wecookinwithcannabis365.com

Takisha Carter – Cannabis Coach, Educator, and Award-Winning Cannabis Activist

Website: https://nativenubian.com

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@blackwomenwhoblaze8223

Rachel Selah – Certified Cannabis Health Coach and Birth Worker, Specializing in Self-Care and Women’s Wellness

Website: https://www.acho-teatalkcoaching.com

Tiffany Gotcher – Certified Cannabis, Integrative Health and Nutrition Coach and Fibromyalgia Warrior

Website: https://www.fibrowomenwarriors.com

Free Course – Sign up now - https://www.effectivenewsletter.com/fibrowarrior

Taameir Drew – Cannabis Coach and Educator

Website: https://www.theharlemapothecary.com

Taameir’s recent blog about Cannabis and migraines - https://www.effectivenewsletter.com/blog/Cannabisandmigraines

Yakima Palmer – Certified Cannabis Educator, Certified Holistic Wellness Coach

Website: https://www.yakswellness.com

Caress Fitch – Health Coach, BDSM and Polyamory Educator, Cannabis Educator, and Mental Health First Aid Instructor

Website: https://www.mindfulpassions.co

Woods – Certified Cannabis Coach, Dope Teacher, and Adventure Enthusiast

Website: https://www.dopeandwell.com

Stephanie Baker aka Mama Sug's

Website: https://mamasugs.com

About Amy Matthews:

Amy Matthews trailblazed her way to claiming healing in her life after doing battle with a Bipolar diagnosis and Complex PTSD. Her relentless quest for balance and wellness ultimately led this child of the “Just Say No” movement to the life of a Certified Cannabis Health Coach and Professional Interpener (Cannabis Sommelier) certified in Cannabis products and sales. Amy spent her career advising political candidates, business owners, and non-profit organizations. Now she assists clients seeking to claim more profound healing in their own lives. Additionally, Amy supports other Cannabis Health Coaches and Educators in developing their business in her online Grow House Community and through the Effective Cannabis Newsletter.

Effective Cannabis Newsletter is a platform to educate on the vital role of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in one's health. The information is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in or available through this newsletter is for general information purposes only. It is not medical advice; it is health awareness.