7 Simple Ways to Be a Cannabis Evangelist in Your Community

If you have been reading my posts here for any length of time, you will know that I am a big fan of cannabis. This medicinal plant has enriched my life more than I will ever be able to explain. So, naturally, I want to be able to tell as many people as possible about my positive experiences with it. As much as I enjoy relaxing with weed, I think it's important to pass along my appraisal to others and further grow our community.

If you use marijuana, medically or recreationally, you probably feel similarly about this incredible substance. By refusing to hide in the shadows for using a federally illegal plant, you can share your opinions on marijuana with the world and help end the stigma that has been attached to cannabis for far too long. 

Here are seven simple things that you can do to be a cannabis evangelist in your community:

1. Support your local dispensary: While it seems simple and self-serving, shopping at your local cannabis dispensary sends a signal (in the form of your tax revenue) that public opinion on marijuana is changing. It might be cheaper to get your bud from the guy down the street, but purchasing cannabis products through legal channels as opposed to the black market helps to normalize marijuana. See our post, Where to Buy Weed: Marijuana Dispensary vs That Guy You Know, for more reasons to support your local marijuana dispensary.
2. Be a social media hype man or woman: Sharing pro-cannabis content can be scary at first. You may be worried that you will offend some of your online friends or family with your opinions. The truth is, you might, but you might also empower others to be unafraid to speak their truths as well. If being a “wine mom” is ok, why should being a “cannamom” be any different?
3. Buy from small weed-related businesses: Spend any amount of time on weed-friendly Instagram or Twitter, and you will find a plethora of small cannabis industry businesses that you can support. A few of my favorites are Rainy Day Mamas (more on them next), the Stoney Babe Box, and Elevate Crate. Check them out if you have a chance. 
4. Wear your support on your sleeve (literally): Full disclosure, I am addicted to joggers and comfy clothes with fun pro-cannabis messaging. The team at Rainy Day Mamas caters to making fun pieces to help normalize cannabis use. Their apparel items range from Wake ‘n Bake sweats to 4:20 analog clock shirts to cannamom/cannadad designs and stoner beanies. I love wearing my marijuana normalization gear out in public. It makes people think.
5. Acknowledge your fellow stoners: If you see someone wearing a pro-marijuana message, let them know. I know we have all been taught not to talk to strangers, and not everyone is an extrovert, but an acknowledgment of support to someone brave enough to rock marijuana gear is greatly appreciated. It took me a while to be comfortable wearing my pot leaf hoodie in public, and getting feedback from strangers helped build that confidence.
6. Talk to your acquaintances about weed: You may be surprised to find that some people in your life partake that you would never have guessed. Being a person that people feel comfortable talking to about marijuana is a great feeling. Allow yourself to bring the topic up casually, and see what comes from it. Worst case scenario: you out yourself as a pothead, and really, who cares? It’s legal!
7. Be honest with your doctors about your marijuana use: You know when you go to the doctor and they ask about cannabis use and you lie? Don’t do that. By being honest with your health care professional about what helps you, you are giving them a more robust picture of your health. Full transparency is always best, especially with your trusted physician. You can even ask your doctor about medical marijuana. 

If you love cannabis as much as I do, these seven simple things should be easy to implement in your life. In fact, I find it hard to keep my mouth shut about my medical marijuana use most of the time. I guess it’s a good thing I write for this blog!