The weed industry gives back

» Feeling generous? Here’s how the cannabis industry gave back during the holidays

The holidays are a time for giving, and that giving and not receiving tends to take precedence as we get older. The days of getting excited about gifts just dwindle away in exchange for the joy of giving.

The fact that the love of getting presents may dwindle due to getting socks and sweaters instead of the cool stuff we wanted as kids is neither here nor there, though. Either way, that’s what happens.

And, this year the cannabis industry has been doing Santa’s work by putting an emphasis on giving this holiday season. Here’s how businesses in the cannabis industry gave back this holiday season.

Jackets for Joints

In November, Puff Cannabis gave out more than 1,700 turkeys to Michigan residents. And, that wasn’t all. Puff also held a really cool donation campaign called “Jackets for Joints” event, which ran between Dec. 5-18, and asked for donations of coats and jackets that fit kids between the ages of three to 12. In return, they handed out one jar of prerolls for making a jacket donation.

Puff president Justin Elias said that the Jackets for Joints program came about after he recognized that many children throughout the state of Michigan needed warm jackets and coats — and decided that a program like this could make a big difference for many of those young kids.

Improving education and opportunities

Florida-based cannabis industry financiers AFC Foundation recently donated to Georgia-based Corners Outreach organization, which focuses on improving education and helping create career opportunities for families in the state.

In the past, AFC Foundation has also contributed to groups like Pennsylvania Court Appointed Special Advocate Association, Yo Soy Ella, and The Weldon Project.

AFC Foundation president and co-

founder Robyn Tannenbaum says it is essential for the company to give back, and believes the evolution of the cannabis industry is heavily reliant on the health of the communities in which the businesses operate.

According to Tannenbaum, it is imperative that we work to improve these communities and invest in their future.

40 Tons…of donations

40 Tons is an organization dedicated to assisting people and families affected by cannabis convictions. In late November, the organization held a Canna Christmas event and invited attendees to donate to a Christmas wish list created by people who have family members currently incarcerated for cannabis convictions.

While the event has already passed for 2022, 40 Tons is a truly incredible organization to donate to if you’re looking for a landing spot for your extra cash — as it continues to help others.

Ayyyyy…more donations

Ayr Wellness announced on Dec. 5 that it would be conducting a 12 Days of Giving campaign. Ayr Wellness, which currently operates dispensaries in Arizona, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, has held its 12 Days of Giving campaign two years in a row. The initiative is intended to reinforce its commitment to being a company with a positive communal impact. The company does this by activating 12 days of charitable giving across their retail footprint.

During the 12 days of the campaign, Ayr Wellness collected $1.12 per transaction to give to two of its partner organizations, Freedom Grow and Minorities for Medical Marijuana Project Clean Slate Initiative. Ayr Wellness’ goal was to collect more than $100,000 from nationwide sales to help support victims of the federal cannabis ban and their families, as well as various advocacy efforts and expungement programs.

Sativa-funded scholarships

Cannabist, a medical dispensary in West Virginia, recently donated almost $6,500 to a local American Legion Post 159 in late November. Cannabist has four locations in the state and took a portion of funds from weekly sales to make the donation.

The donation will be used to help fund scholarship opportunities for local high schools, provide funds for state capitol trips, and more.

While there are plenty of businesses giving back this time of year, it’s important to highlight what the cannabis industry is doing, as it’s just another example of the positive communal growth that happens when cannabis is legalized. — DGO Staff