It’s almost redundant to say that this year has seen unprecedented demands on nonprofits and charities. It’s uncharted waters as far as the economy is concerned, but that’s usually when help is needed the most—during turbulent, stormy times.
Perhaps the reason cannabis industry members, and Good Samaritans from every walk of life, continue to help and give is because it’s a blessing for everyone involved. Never underestimate the power of good karma and giving.
March and Ash dispensaries, with thee stores located in San Diego, California, are fundraising for local charities including San Diego Habitat for Humanity, Imperial Valley Cancer Support Center, Imperial Valley Food Bank, and Last Prisoner Project. Dispensary customers will be asked to donate $1 with their purchase throughout the month of December. Funds raised will then be matched by March and Ash, and contributed.
Let’s not forget our animal friends, as many animal charities have been hard hit by the economy. Cloud Cannabis dispensaries have partnered with the Humane Society of Huron Valley; through December 23, the Ann Arbor, Michigan store location will donate $1 to the humane society for each product sold and also will except donations. Cannabis manufacturers that are contributing to the campaign include Kaneh Co., Mitten Extracts, Platinum Vapes, and True North. All funds raised will go to food, medical services, and shelter for animals waiting to be adopted. The fundraiser is the debut of the company’s Cloud Cares program to benefit local charities.
In Santa Barbara, California, CARP Growers Association and The Farmacy partnered to launch the Grass Roots fundraiser, to benefit the Freedom Warming Centers (FWC) of Santa Barbara County. The centers provide food and shelter for those in need; donations will be used to purchase hygiene supplies, blankets, and other necessities. Through the end of December, 5 percent of product sales from cannabis companies Autumn Brands, Pacific Stone Brand, Josh D, and Glass House Farms will benefit FWC.
Family-owned soap manufacturer and longtime alternative health advocate Dr. Bronner’s launched a campaign to raise funds benefiting nonprofit Sun+Earth Certified, which supports “small-scale, regenerative, organic cannabis and hemp farmers who prioritize environmentally-friendly cultivation, human empowerment, and community engagement.”
Contributors who wish to donate to organic, sustainable cultivation practices in cannabis and hemp can make a donation of $25 or more to receive a limited edition Sun+Earth Bar Soap and Lavender Organic Hand Sanitizer set. The products are made by Dr. Bronner’s and infused with terpene-rich hemp oil from Oregon grower East Fork Cultivars.
The company’s original campaign goal of $25,000 has already been reached. An additional $15,000 goal has been added, with all funds going to resources for certification of small, organic growers.
“Dr. Bronner’s is passionate about drug policy reform and ending cannabis prohibition at the federal level. We’re also deeply engaged in the global movement for regenerative organic agriculture, against industrial chemical agriculture,” said David Bronner, chief executive officer at Dr. Bronner’s.
Many cannabis industry members and companies support various veterans’ charities. Denver-based dispensary chain The Green Solution, in 2020, donated 400 pounds of food and $4,000 to Colorado Veterans Project.
Canadian cannabis multinational Canopy Growth, Inc. in November promised up to $90,000 (CAD) to Wounded Warriors Canada, to fund programs benefiting veterans suffering from PTSD. The nonprofit has used $50,000 of the funds to provide therapy programs at Couples Overcoming PTSD Everyday (COPE), the Spousal Resiliency Program, and the Trauma Resiliency Program. The donation was made through Canopy’s medical division Spectrum Therapeutics.
