Cannabis Doing Good unites cannabis companies and Colorado non-profits to minimize the impacts of the coronavirus
Social responsibility, equality for all, and neighborhood engagement have long been pillars in the cannabis world. The plant brings people together in a unique and for many, a spiritual way unlike anything else. It is no surprise therefore that as the era of legalization has led to many businesses within the sector to dedicate themselves to these virtues, even in times of great crisis.
Cannabis Doing Good, a Colorado-based platform, is dedicated to providing opportunities for companies within the cannabis industry to connect and collaborate with their communities.
Cannabis Doing Good (CDG) envisions a new standard for those wishing to demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, equity, and compassion. Through their local engagement fundraising events, digital campaigns, and annual awards show, CDG strives to highlight marijuana businesses going the extra mile in their quest to be purpose-driven.
“Magic really is possible when we put businesses, consumers [including patients], and nonprofits in a room together,” says Courtney Mathis, founder and CEO of Cannabis Doing Good. “Social responsibility and community engagement can often feel like a big lift, regardless of company size. We wanted to create a network of cannabis and community members who could forge collaborations and work together to meet community needs.”
In response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Colorado-based group has launched a statewide “CDG Gives” initiative, partnering with a number of cannabis brands, retailers, and service providers with the common goal of raising $15,000 to be shared by three non-profit resources – Urban Peak, MetroCaring and Friends In Weed.
“We wanted to raise money for the highest priority issues–supporting the unhoused, the food insecure, and frontline workers,” Mathis told SWEET JANE. She adds that while not all organizations are willing or able to accept donations from cannabis businesses, the trio of groups they’ve selected has welcomed them with open arms.
“We were grateful to Urban Peak and to Metro Caring for recognizing our sector’s desire to contribute to the community and letting us be a part of the amazing work they do,” she says. “We wish it was easy to find partners, but when you are in cannabis, there are many hurdles, legalities, and perceptions that often cause nonprofits not to work with us.”
The CDG Gives Initiative runs through the end of May. Participating companies include Cookies, Veritas Farms, 1906, Vicente Sederberg, Lightshade dispensary, and more.
“It’s interesting that global events often spark connection and giving … why not all the time?” wondered Maureen McNamara, Founder & Chief Facilitator of Cannabis Trainers, a CDG Gives partner businesses that trains budtenders. “I support Cannabis Doing Good because they are inviting people to be deeply connected to and caring for their community. All. The. Time. Certainly even more so now.”
Venturing out to a dispensary is not necessary to support CDG Gives. Individual donations can also be made online for people wishing to get involved from home.
“We really believe in the power of individuals to generate social impact, particularly our cannabis consumers and patients,” Mathis says. “We find that the cannabis community is already inclined towards community outreach, caring deeply for people, the planet, and using their dollar to support purpose.”
The team at Cannabis Doing Good is hopeful for the future. Their CDG Gives Initiative is two-thirds of the way toward their fundraising goal as of mid-May. They plan on launching their Cannabis Doing Good Standard later this year as well as a membership platform in order to offer even more ways to showcase their commitments to social responsibility.
For now, Mathis is encouraging people to do what it takes to get through the pandemic, reminding us we may be apart but will always be together.
“We encourage individuals to wear their masks, check-in on neighbors and the elderly, share food or cook meals for those having a hard day, and offer grace to everyone’s own experience of the crisis,” adds Mathis.
Photography courtesy of Cannabis Doing Good
Rachelle Gordon is a writer focusing on the cannabis industry. She has been featured in High Times, Cannabis Now Magazine, and the inaugural issue of SWEET JANE. Rachelle’s favorite strains include Tangie and GMO. Find out more about her at www.rachellegordon.net
