Incorporating Cannabis Into the Reformed Social Support System
As we look forward from this moment of uncertainty, I think we need to consider all of the options at our disposal to heal this society. And so it's time that we consider how cannabis can be leveraged to restore greater peace, both within individual minds and within our greater communities.
Right now, protestors and allies of the Black Lives Matter movement are rightfully calling for substantial reform. Reform and removal of the systemic racism that is at the root of our institutions. Reform of the police department - and funding/legislation to make room for a more compassionate workforce of people who are adequately prepared to help people in need. People are outspoken in their request for the creation of a truly caring system that will supply healing over violence, therapy over guns, and love over hate.
What does this look like? Well, there’s no consensus (as you know!). But I think there’s a lot of excellent conversation happening out there - people are starting to envision what this might look like.
Many are calling for increased funding to social workers, crisis staff trained in de-escalation, women's shelters, counselors, therapists, safe injection sites, rehab, community outreach, night classes, and affordable health care. But I think we can take this a step further.
In this moment, I ask that we consider the utility of cannabis as we build these caring institutions. I actually believe that our government should consider incorporating cannabis into the new and reformed social support system. Open access to cannabis and administration of cannabis therapy can absolutely be coded into new, progressive policy.
Imagine if we had a state-funded workforce consisted of well-trained cannabis counselors and cannabis therapists available to administer cannabis therapy to those who seek it. To the people experiencing mental health crisis. To the people who just need a little glimmer of hope.
I know a lot people who are consuming cannabis as an intentional practice to get through this unique moment. Because cannabis is a tool. A tool for hope and better health. And we could be using this tool on the macro scale.
We need the healing properties of cannabis more than ever.
I'm not advocating for this approach because it would bring money to the cannabis industry. This is more important than an empty pursuit of money. I am advocating for cannabis being part of the reformed social support system because cannabis has the ability to actually help people.
Here’s how.
Cannabis therapy can help people suffering from drug addiction. States with recreational cannabis have seen a 25% reduction in opioid deaths. Doctors, including Dr. Michele Ross and Dr. Dustin Sulak, speak to the fact that cannabis can be used to reduce opioid withdrawal and can help individuals wean off their standard opioid dose.
Cannabis therapy can assist individuals struggling with mental illness. Although my home state of WA doesn't acknowledge anxiety or depression as a qualifying condition for a medical cannabis card, other states do. Cannabis is known to help those struggling with mental health issues and allows many cannabis consumers to even cease the use of anti-depressant medications - including me!
Cannabis can support people dealing with trauma and PTSD. When cannabinoids enter the brain, they impact the portion of the brain that oversees memory, essentially aiding people in their journey to "forget" or "let go" of painful memories. Cannabis has supported the veteran community and I think we can leverage this example as a way to help others, as well. The reality is that black Americans have suffered at the hands of violent policing since the inception of this country. We should acknowledge that American policing has absolutely contributed to deep pain and anxiety for many of our black brothers and sisters. Perhaps we can consider cannabis as a way to help interested participants to address their pain.
And now is the time to push for this type of reform, considering that many American states have recently acknowledged cannabis as "essential". Politicians are closer to fully understanding the benefits of cannabis than they ever have been before. As such, I would ask that our politicians expand their thinking even further and realize that this plant is going to play an essential role in healing our sick nation. Let's get to work and truly support the people who need it most.