We have a chance to help enact change by choosing where to place our dollars. This is relevant in any industry, but especially important when it comes to cannabis. We should be empowered to support companies with values similar to ours and withhold our hard-earned money from those who hold opposite values.

Here are five ways to be a more ethical and conscious cannabis consumers. We encourage you to look beyond branding and marketing and instead look into the ethical, environmental, and social values the company possesses and hold the industry to the highest standard. Together, we have a chance to build the industry with the right foundation. 

1. Understand cannabis, from the history to the science

Cannabis has a long and complicated history that goes back thousands of years. Educate yourself on its origins, the people who have used it throughout time, and how we got to where we are today.

Cannabis is not one-size-fits-all and it’s important to research products and decide which one works the best for you. That starts with having the foundational understanding of Cannabis 101, or the basics, including cannabinoids, terpenes, dosing, and consumption methods. Having a comprehensive knowledge of both the potential benefits and drawbacks of the plant is important. We recognize that cannabis isn’t for everyone — and that’s OK. It’s less about expecting cannabis to be a panacea and more about finding ways to adopt the plant in a way that is right for you. Exploring what cannabinoids, terpenes, and dosing levels are right for you can take a bit of patience and experimenting, but trust in the process! And know that our HiVi Hotline (424-209-8198), email, and DM are all open and available for you to lean on.

As you understand and educate yourself on the plant, we encourage you to educate others as well. Share your honest experiences with your peers and family who may be skeptical about the plant. Honest and trusted conversations that are rooted in facts and education, can help destigmatize and shed the decades of fear-based propaganda that has fueled this industry previously.

2. Research brands and businesses

We can do our part by being more discerning and inquisitive about the intentions and talent behind the brand and support those who are in it for the right reasons vs people who are looking to take advantage of an opportunity to profit in a budding space. When you’re shopping, ask these questions of a brand you’re interested in:

• What is the company’s mission and is it clearly stated?
• What does the company’s team look like?
• What are their business practices and how does it align with your values?

The call for diversity, equity, and inclusion in cannabis is far from new, and still needs work. According to MJ Biz Daily, only 4.3% of owners or founders of cannabis companies are Black, 5.7% are Hispanic/Latino, and 2.4% are Asian. Support entrepreneurs who represent the communities that have been, and continue to be, the target of racist drug laws. Inclusivebase, created by ALMOSTCONSULTING and Cannacluisve, is an ongoing catalog of minority-owned cannabis businesses across the country. Reference that database as you explore the types of products you want to consume or organizations you want to get involved with. Support women, BIPOC/minority, and queer-owned businesses, which is actually 80% of HiVi’s curated database of top-quality products (shameless plug here, and not sorry about it).

Take it a step further. Brands that work with locally grown cannabis, supports your local economy. One big misconception about cannabis is that everyone in the industry has hit the green rush. The truth is that many cultivators and business owners are working hard to make ends meet. When you spend money in locally-owned stores and purchase locally grown products, you’re supporting small business owners and your money stays local as well. This also leads to the importance of supporting eco-conscious companies that are utilizing sustainable practices for growing, processing, and packaging weed. An ethical grow ensures safe products and minimizes your carbon footprint.

3. Shop green

Reward companies that are environmentally responsible, from reducing energy consumption to protecting the waterways and soil. Vetting systems and certifications like Sun & Earth Certified help farmers who are working with regenerative, ethical, and top-of-the-line practices from seed to sale are positive indicators of brands you can feel excited to support.

Also, consider minimizing packaging needs when shopping or reordering your products (more and more brands like Barbari and Good Company Tea are starting to offer subscription services with less or sustainable packaging options). You can also do your part to upcycle your packaging when possible, such as using a pre-roll tin to store your own hand-rolled joints, or planting seeds or succulents in flower jars.

4. Support integrity and transparency

Look at the entire supply chain of a business to understand the true reliability of their products.

Make sure that the brands you are purchasing from are not only treating their plants with care, but also their staff and community. You can do the research on brand websites and a news search or you can ask your budtender which companies are transparent about their cultivation methods, practice sustainability, and have fair labor conditions. An ethical company treats everyone with respect, resulting in the best possible product.

Cross-reference COAs and educate yourself on how to read them. When you purchase legal cannabis, you know it’s been lab-tested for pesticides, mycotoxins, and heavy metals, which is not only better for your peace of mind but also your body. We explain the process of reading a COA here.

Make sure that the brands you are purchasing from are not only treating their plants with care, but also their staff and community.

5. Flex your inner activist

Use your voice and your vote to advocate for cannabis reform. You have the power to hold your officials accountable. From elections, city council meetings, to board meetings, make your voice heard and stand up for those that have been negatively impacted by cannabis injustice. The impact of your engagement occurs at the federal, state, and local level.

You can also let brands know directly how they can make a difference in what matters to you. Transparent and consumer-focused companies will always manage and maintain their customer service team to listen and be responsive. We highly encourage you to be a part of the feedback loop that directly informs their product development.