The cannabis industry is giving back this holiday season

Seasonal slogans such as “Holiday Spirit” and “The Season of Giving” are annual reminders to give back to those in need. Here are just a few great examples of how cannabis companies continue to give back.

Ayr Wellness, which has pharmacies in Arizona, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, announced on December 5 that it will launch its “12 Days of Giving” campaign. While each purchase from its dispensaries brings in $1.12 per transaction to two of its partner organizations, Freedom Grow and Minorities or Medical Marijuana Project Clean Slate Initiative. Overall, Ayr Wellness aims to raise more than $100,000, which will be used to support cannabis prisoners and their families, as well as various advocacy efforts and eradication programs. “Ayr’s 12 Days of Giving initiative aims to reinforce our commitment to be a force for good by activating 12 days of charitable giving at our retail store,” said Ayr President David Goubert. “This marks Ayr’s second year of the program, which will directly benefit the families of those jailed for cannabis offenses.”

The Florida-based AFC Foundation, which provides funding in the cannabis industry, recently made a donation to the Georgia-based organization Corners Outreach. In the past, the AFC Foundation has also made donations to groups such as the Pennsylvania Court Appointed Special Advocate Association, Yo Soy Ella, and The Weldon Project. According to AFC Foundation President and Co-Founder Robyn Tannenbaum, giving back is imperative for the company. “The development of the cannabis industry depends heavily on the health of the communities in which the companies operate. Therefore, it is imperative that we work to improve these communities and invest in their future endeavors,” said Tannenbaum. “We are proud to continue our efforts to bring about societal change. More importantly, we’re excited to support an organization like Corners Outreach that works to improve educational and career opportunities for families.”

In November, Michigan-based company Puff Cannabis gave away more than 1,700 turkeys ahead of Thanksgiving. Now the brand has announced its Jackets for Joints event. The campaign runs from December 5th to 18th and asks for coats and jackets that fit children aged three to 12 years. In return, Puff hands out a jar of pre-rolls. Puff President Justin Elias expressed the need for children in Michigan. “I recognize that due to the times we live in, many children across the state of Michigan are in need of warm jackets and coats, and our Jackets for Joints program will come to the rescue of many of these little ones,” Elias said. “I hope this winter we can collect and give away thousands of warm jackets and coats to keep our kids warm.”

40 Tons, an organization dedicated to supporting people affected by cannabis convictions and their families. Last weekend, the organization hosted a Canna Christmas event, inviting attendees to donate to a Christmas wish list created by people whose loved ones are currently jailed for cannabis. Although the event is over, 40 Tons is a worthwhile organization to donate to this holiday as it continues to help others.

A medical dispensary called Cannabist in West Virginia recently donated $6,473.65 to the local American Legion Post 159 last week. Cannabist has four locations across the state and took a portion of the funds from weekly sales to fund scholarship opportunities for local high schools, used to provide funds for travel to the state capital and more.

We see tons of cannabis companies giving back, but non-cannabis companies are also getting involved to help patients access medicinal cannabis. According to Lanakshire Live, a Scottish news outlet, local businesses are getting involved to help Cole Thompson, a young boy suffering from cortical dysplasia who is using Bedrolite cannabis oil to treat his condition. As for many other children across Europe, access to medical cannabis medicine is an expensive burden on their families.

A campaign called “Cole’s Christmas Wish” is currently underway, asking for donations to fund his family’s access to the drug. “An amazing 15 companies have already signed up, but for it to work we really need to sign up all 36 companies, hopefully by Christmas, which would give Cole the money for his medication for the year,” said Cole’s mother, Lisa Streit. “We’re still looking for 21 companies willing to get on board by making a one-off donation of £500 to help keep Cole seizure-free and safe.”