No doubt about it: Thanksgiving is one of our favorite holidays here at Green Goods. (And no, we’re not just talking about the limited-edition cannabis gravy Kiva Confection dropped back in 2019.) From the yummy holiday favorites to the togetherness and good cheer that only family and friends can provide, it’s truly a day worth celebrating.
Still, for many of us, it’s the giving season kicked off with Thanksgiving that makes the holiday so meaningful. The following Tuesday is what’s known as Giving Tuesday. Described as a “global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world,” it’s a time to share our good fortune with the less fortunate (and the stellar organizations dedicated to doing good).
Added Benefits to the Giving Season
This year, Giving Tuesday falls on November 30. One amazing feature of donating on this day is the critical mass: A lot of good can be done in one day. Many nonprofits even find “matching” donors—generous folks who have agreed to contribute more for every dollar the nonprofit raises. Matching challenges are a good bonus to look out for when deciding where to give this year.
Furthermore, giving in a loved one’s name to a cause they care about is a meaningful gift for the gift-giving holidays in December. And, if all this good cheer weren’t reason enough to donate, it’s almost the end of the tax year. Why is this exciting? Well, the IRS has recently given its own gift by expanding tax benefits to a higher maximum of $600 of donations per person, per year to qualifying charities.
So let’s get started! We’d like to introduce you to five cannabis nonprofit groups who are doing their part to ensure easier, safer, and more effective access to the healing power of cannabis!
Giving Tuesday: Donate to These 5 Inspiring Cannabis Nonprofit Organizations
Americans for Safe Access
For nearly twenty years now, this effective and well-respected cannabis nonprofit has aided the passage of medical cannabis laws in nearly every state. What’s more, the group has fielded hundreds of “Raid Response” protests in response to raids on medical cannabis facilities.
Last Prisoner Project (LPP)
With a focus on freeing the roughly 40,000 Americans jailed for victimless, cannabis-related crimes, LPP is a coalition of attorneys, criminal justice reformers, and individuals impacted by the justice system. Though only founded in 2019, the group has garnered headlines in such publications as Forbes and Esquire, and the mainstream television show Late Night with Seth Meyers.
Cannabis Access Alliance
While many cannabis nonprofits focus on legalization, the Alliance works to ensure that communities unduly affected by prohibition have access to medical cannabis. In addition to providing new patients with assistance and advice on how to acquire a medical cannabis card, the group offers financial assistance for those unable to meet the cost of such certification.
Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies
For thirty-five years, MAPS has advocated for the use of psychedelics—including cannabis—for healing and growth on “individual, familial, societal, and planetary levels.” As such, the group launched the first-ever clinical study of inhaled cannabis to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Other studies have examined the use of cannabis for migraines, HIV infections, and other critical medical uses.
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws
We’ve written about NORML before, but as the great-granddaddy of cannabis advocacy groups, it’s a great example of how hard work (and the efforts of countless givers and dedicated volunteers) can lead to deep societal changes. When the group began its work in 1970, cannabis was regarded by many Americans to be Public Enemy #1. And while today a vast majority of us support access to medical cannabis, the group continues to advocate for access to safe and affordable medical cannabis for all legal consumers, arguing that:
“Of all the negative consequences of marijuana prohibition, none is as tragic as the denial of medicinal cannabis to the tens of thousands of patients who could benefit from its therapeutic use.”
Giving Tuesday: A Chance to Help Support Safe Access for All
This holiday season, we invite you to support a cannabis nonprofit of your choice. As you can see, the five we highlighted represent a wide array of causes and needs, all related to increasing safe, sane, and more equitable access to cannabis. We’re proud to highlight them, because at Green Goods, we think cannabis should be as all-American as, well…pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes!
Do you have other questions about how you can enact cannabis advocacy in your state? Don’t hesitate to reach out; we’re here to help!
Please note that qualifying conditions vary by state, and the information relating to qualifying conditions may not apply to cannabis patients in all states.
Product availability also varies based on state program restrictions and rules, so the products discussed may not be available in all states. Be sure to check with your local Green Goods location about the products available in your state!
