Here, we will go over how to become a better conscious cannabis consumer.
Being a conscious cannabis consumer may have a different meaning depending on who you ask. For some, it may mean purchasing pesticide-free products. For others, it might mean supporting inclusion.
Regardless, we should be conscious consumers in every way possible, when possible. Keep reading to find out how.
Be Mindful of Where You Shop
Being mindful of which dispensaries you purchase your marijuana from is a great way to be a more conscious consumer. Some dispensaries got in the cannabis game for the wrong reasons and don’t necessarily care about their customers the way other shops do. The right dispensary will be passionate about medical marijuana cultivation, consumption benefits, inclusion, and the environment.
Dispensaries That Support Local Farmers
You can be a conscious consumer by shopping at a dispensary that supports local farmers.
Farm-to-table is a phrase that is often associated with fresh fruits and veggies. Few realize that farm-to-table is a consumption standard that crosses over into the cannabis industry.
When you purchase from dispensaries that stock from local cultivators you:
- Support small businesses
- Cut down on transportation-related carbon emissions
- Receive fresher cannabis
- Support the local economy
- Receive organically produced cannabis
Some big corporations may be local. So, shopping local does not always guarantee the factors mentioned above. Remember to research the companies that stock your dispensary’s cannabis.
Environmentally Friendly Cultivation Practices
The cannabis industry is growing larger every day, and a big industry equates to big money. Many corporations see this industry growth as an opportunity to get rich quickly. Unfortunately, these corporations often cut corners, use equipment harmful to the environment, and use pesticides that harm the environment and the population.
To use cannabis consciously, you must purchase products not grown with pesticides or other harmful toxins and support a company that limits greenhouse emissions during cultivation.
Many individuals are under the impression that pesticides are harmful because they could upset our stomachs or make produce taste bad. However, there is much more to it.
Pesticides can cause:
- Neurological damage
- Lethal poisoning
- Endocrine and reproductive disorders
- Contaminated waterways and air
Greenhouse gas emissions are harmful because:
- They are the primary cause of global warming
- They increase acidity levels in the ocean
- They deplete the ozone layer
As a resident of earth, it’s important to do what we can to help keep it healthy. Although supporting environmentally friendly businesses does not eliminate big corporations, it does encourage them to switch to healthier practices.
Waste-Free and Recyclable Packaging
Plastic waste is currently one of the most urgent and time-sensitive environmental issues on earth.
Unfortunately, 40% of plastic produced is for packaging, and it’s estimated that half of this plastic is used only once. Most plastic goes into incineration or landfills. This is dangerous because incineration requires heavy greenhouse emissions, and landfill plastics take over 1,000 years to decompose.
Luckily, many dispensaries are aware of the importance that sustainable packaging has on our environment and choose to package their products more healthily.
Dispensaries with sustainable packaging may do the following:
- Use smaller packages
- Provide reusable jars or boxes
- Use recycled or recyclable materials
- Use compostable materials
- Use paper or cardboard packaging instead of plastic
If you struggle to find a dispensary that uses sustainable packaging, bring your own jars when shopping or reuse plastic containers in your own home.
Choose a Dispensary That Supports Inclusion
Not everyone will hold the same values as you. Unfortunately, this may mean that inclusion is a non-issue for some.
You can be a conscious cannabis consumer by looking for a dispensary that includes and supports individuals from all walks of life.
This inclusion may mean staffing cultivators and employees:
- Of different colors and backgrounds
- Practicing different religions
- Of the LGBTQ community
- That have disabilities
- Of different ages
There are many different positions a person can hold in the cannabis industry. Cultivators, budtenders, trimmers, and testers are just a few. With so many different roles within the industry, spotting exclusion can be difficult since we usually only come into contact with the budtender.
It’s not necessary to do a full background check on all corporations to ensure they support inclusion. Instead, just be mindful of how employees and customers are treated and make a mental note of the type of employees you see in their stores and advertisements. This will give you a good idea of how inclusive your dispensary is.
