Los Angeles NORML is a pioneer of cannabis advocacy and has been organizing events and helping impact cannabis reform for over 50 years. Now one of the oldest chapters in the country, their LA team has successfully worked to organize a program that is all about helping the elderly, homeless, terminally ill, and people that struggle with mental health.
California is the only place in the world where legally licensed cannabis is allowed to be donated for free on a compassionate basis. This means that legal and licensed brands can work with each other to provide free weed for patients who really need it.
The California Compassionate Cannabis Donation Program is made possible under SB-34, the Dennis Peron and Brownie Mary Act, and is the world’s first and only compliant program that helps patients gain access to lab tested cannabis products for free.
With the creation of this new program, Los Angeles NORML also launched an event that provides a safe and discreet location where free cannabis products and important consumer education can be shared with those most in need.
Los Angeles NORML
As a founding partner in the program, Veterans Cannabis Coalition joined forces with Los Angeles NORML specifically to help expand SB-34 donations to more veterans and patients in need. Compassionate cannabis promises to be a powerful tool. They seek to educate, heal, and activate the diverse array of communities that make up Los Angeles. It is also a way to demonstrate the universal need for cannabis access and affordability. This program also helps provide a foundation for people to come together to push for needed reform. Many people feel that adult-use legalization did not solve problems for patients with limited or no access to cannabis.
Cannabis reform has been a long process since first being outlawed in 1970. Without the hard work from NORML and other similar organizations, California wouldn’t be where it is today. These activists made it possible for the legality of cannabis. They continue to work towards getting it legal on the federal level.
Donations by cannabis companies are crucial for Los Angeles NORML to be able to provide products for patients in need. With the high costs of cannabis products, many are unable to access medicine. This could greatly benefit them solely due to the fact that they can’t afford it.
A patient’s socioeconomic status shouldn’t determine whether or not they have access to life-changing medicine. Look past the customers and money and put your heart towards those in need.
Cannabis Companies Are Encouraged To Get Involved With Los Angeles NORML’s Mission
We encourage companies to get involved with their communities and honor the traditions started by Dennis Peron and Brownie Mary. Without NORML and similar organizations, these companies would not be in operation today.
“SB-34 creates a legal pathway by which licensed cannabis companies can donate legal and tested products to eligible patients. But one year after its implementation in March 2020, there is still very little industry participation. Only a handful of advocacy groups are actively working to meet the needs of patients.”
Cannabis companies can and should give back to those that have worked so hard to make cannabis legalization and sales possible. Donating cannabis products allows this program to thrive and grow, and help those in need right in your own communities.
This is not only a great opportunity to give back, but also offers wonderful publicity opportunities for those who participate.
View this video to see an example of a press event in collaboration with Pineapple Express and Los Angeles NORML.
For more information, visit these websites
Cannabis companies looking to learn more about SB-34 should visit this page HERE. If you want to get involved you should submit this form HERE. Those interested in donating money instead of products, please visit HERE.
If you are looking to learn more about Los Angeles LA NORML please visit their website HERE.