5 Things to Know About the Cannabis Industry
Gleaning insights from top industry professionals, this article peels back the layers of the cannabis sector. It offers a grounded examination of its complexities, from agriculture to stereotypes and medical validity. With expert analysis, readers will gain a clear-eyed view of the nuances defining this evolving industry.
- Recognize Cannabis as Multifaceted
- Understand Cannabis as Legitimate Agriculture
- Challenge the Lazy Stoner Stereotype
- Acknowledge Cannabis as Valid Medicine
- Quality of Cannabis Not Based on Potency
Recognize Cannabis as Multifaceted
One thing I wish more people understood about the cannabis industry is that it's a multifaceted field that goes far beyond recreational use. It's built on rigorous scientific research, innovative agricultural practices, and a commitment to sustainable, quality-controlled production. Recognizing the therapeutic and medicinal potential of cannabis--and the complex regulatory, technological, and cultural challenges involved--can help dispel lingering stigmas and promote more informed public discourse.
This deeper understanding benefits both the industry and society by paving the way for broader acceptance and better regulatory frameworks. With increased support, we can drive investment in research, improve product quality and safety, and ultimately unlock new treatments for a range of health conditions, fostering a more progressive and economically robust market.
Understand Cannabis as Legitimate Agriculture
One thing I wish more people understood about the cannabis industry is that it's not just a cash cow or a giant ATM machine for states to endlessly tax and regulate -- it's a legitimate agricultural industry made up of passionate, often generational farmers who have dedicated their lives to cultivating this plant.
Unfortunately, many states treat cannabis as a luxury product rather than what it is -- a plant, much like a tomato or an herb, with incredible medicinal and therapeutic value. The overregulation and excessive taxation imposed on cannabis businesses, especially small family-run farms, are suffocating the very people who helped build this industry from the ground up. These farmers, some of whom have been growing for generations, are being squeezed out by policies that favor large corporations while ignoring the cultural, historical, and medicinal significance of the plant.
If more people -- including policymakers -- understood that cannabis is a plant with deep roots in agricultural tradition, medicine, and wellness, perhaps we would see more balanced regulations that support small farmers instead of punishing them with sky-high taxes and fees. This shift in understanding would not only help preserve the diversity and quality of cannabis products but also ensure that patients and consumers have access to affordable, clean, and responsibly grown medicine.
Ultimately, viewing cannabis as a normal, beneficial part of agriculture -- rather than a golden goose to be overtaxed -- would benefit society as a whole. It would create a healthier market, encourage innovation, and honor the people who have risked so much to bring this plant to those who need it most.
Challenge the Lazy Stoner Stereotype
One of the most persistent and unfair stigmas surrounding cannabis is the notion that users are lazy and unintelligent. This stereotype has been perpetuated for decades, fueled by misleading portrayals in media and a lack of open, informed conversations about the reality of cannabis consumption. I believe it's time to challenge and dismantle these misconceptions, replacing judgment with education and empathy.
Not long ago, I attended a friend's birthday in Aspen. It was an elegant affair, filled with affluent and influential individuals—the kind of gathering where opinions flow as freely as the wine. During the evening, my friend's mom began discussing her disdain for "stoners," painting a picture of cannabis users as unmotivated, aimless, and incapable of achieving anything significant.
As she spoke, I felt a familiar mix of frustration and determination well up. I decided to engage her in a conversation. I explained that I, a single mom and successful entrepreneur, consume cannabis daily. For years, I battled chronic pain caused by undiagnosed Lyme disease. The opiates I was prescribed left me feeling disconnected and depleted. Cannabis, however, provided the relief I needed without compromising my ability to lead a full, productive life.
I shared how I founded Hey Mary Jane, a wellness brand that helps others find balance through natural solutions. I spoke about the strength and resilience it takes to juggle entrepreneurship and single motherhood, all while managing my health. My friend's mom admitted she'd never considered cannabis use through this lens. She expressed a newfound respect and acknowledged that her previous judgment was unfair and uninformed.
This conversation highlights a crucial point: the stigma around cannabis isn't just harmful—it's outdated. People from all walks of life—professionals, parents, creatives, and athletes—use cannabis responsibly to manage pain, reduce stress, and enhance their overall well-being.
We need to share stories like mine that challenge outdated narratives. Education is key. Highlighting the science behind cannabis's therapeutic benefits and showcasing the diverse array of successful individuals who incorporate it into their lives. Additionally, normalizing responsible cannabis use through mainstream platforms and discussions is essential to breaking down these barriers.
By speaking up and sharing our experiences, we can create a more inclusive and understanding dialogue around cannabis.
Acknowledge Cannabis as Valid Medicine
Many individuals misinterpret cannabis as an invalid type of medicine. Misinformation for decades has generated uncertainty, but the evidence is clear. Cannabis helps patients with chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, and many other conditions. The American Medical Association has acknowledged its therapeutic applications, and states with medical programs have seen reduced opioid prescriptions and overdoses. When people recognize cannabis as medicine and not just as a drug, they make informed decisions regarding their well-being.
By changing public opinion and policy, this knowledge helps the sector. Better laws, more funding for research, and wider insurance coverage follow from greater acceptance. Doctors would feel more comfortable suggesting cannabis as a component of a treatment regimen, and patients would have greater access. Because fewer people would depend on medications with harmful side effects, society benefits. The industry grows responsibly when people view cannabis as healthcare, not a vice.
Education is key. More people need access to scientific data, patient testimonials, and expert opinions. Misinformation stalls progress, but facts move the industry forward.
Quality of Cannabis Not Based on Potency
There seems to be a misconception when looking at CBD or THC flower that quality can be associated with cannabinoid potency. Often, people are looking for a CBD or THC strain with the highest percentage potency, ignoring strains that have smaller numbers. People in the cannabis industry pay no attention to cannabis potency when it comes to selecting the best quality strain for themselves. Strains that test for low levels of THC or CBD are capable of having more profound effects than strains that test high. This is due to all the minor compounds in cannabis that are responsible for the effects of strains, synergistically working together to produce the effects that people are searching for. People in the cannabis industry are so accustomed to seeing high and low-quality cannabis that we can often tell if a strain will be impressive just by seeing, smelling, and touching it rather than testing it via a lab or consuming it.
