OKLAHOMACHRONIC
GREEN GIVES BACK: HOW OKLAHOMA'S CANNABIS INDUSTRY IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE AT HOME.
By Kayla Johnson Insta: @ladyofhousej
For decades, people who consume cannabis, even for medical purposes, have been looked down upon, and usually branded with any of the following labels: stoner, pothead, addict, junkie, even criminal. The general consensus has pretty much always been the same, that cannabis consumers have little of value to offer the world, and that they tend to think only of themselves. Like many of the other stigmas and stereotypes that have been attached to the plant over the years, these mindsets regarding cannabis patients are slowly but surely becoming a thing of the past. More and more people are coming forward with their cannabis use, even those who may have family or loved ones who have been vehemently against it in the past. As those people continue to come forward, the evidence is becoming hard to ignore, because actions do speak louder than words, and these people are proving that they’re not the stereotypes that naysayers think, simply through their actions. OKLAHOMA CHRONIC
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One of those actions that stands out as a vitally important one is helping others, and Oklahoma is setting an entirely new standard when it comes to cannabis and giving back, both through cannacharities or individual efforts. In just over a year since legalization, 176,000 patients (and counting) have obtained their cannabis licenses. The industry that’s supplying those patients is booming, with no end in sight for the growth. Cannabis is thriving here, yet Oklahomans are still making efforts to help other Oklahomans. Rather than focus solely on the economic benefits, there has been a growing movement within the cannabis community here, one focused on giving back in order to help some of the people who need it most. That movement, just like cannabis patients themselves, comes in different varieties and organizations, with different individual goals, but they all share the common drive to see cannabis in the hands of Oklahomans in need.
The Oklahoma Women’s Cannabis Association created Little Buds and Sweet Sisters to help children and underprivileged women be able to not only afford their recommendations, but to ensure that they have access to the information and educational resources they need to learn how cannabis can best help them with their medical needs. Since the charities were founded, they have been able to assist more than ten Little Buds, and twelve Sweet Sisters, and continue to provide resources and support to each patient who’s been through their assistance program. Throughout the year, the OWCA holds events that benefit Little Buds and Sweet Sisters, including the Little Buds Christmas Gala that will be in December once again.
