These 420 NFT murals give back to communities with pro-cannabis art
As cannabis moves more into the mainstream, Leafly believes there are more ways than ever to celebrate our favorite plant outdoors, for all to see and free from stigma.
That’s why we’re excited to launch a brand new project this 4/20: we commissioned a group of cutting-edge artists to design and paint a series of innovative murals in four cities across North America – Chicago, Portland (OR), Toronto (CAN ) and Washington, DC
These beautiful murals highlight cannabis’ incredible ability to encourage artistic creativity. Additionally, they depict cannabis as an uplifting force for good on one of its most notable holidays, helping to give back to just and just causes. Is correct! In addition to being beautiful, the murals directly benefit the communities in which they are displayed.
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Bridging the worlds of art and technology, these 420 murals will be available for purchase as NFTs (non-fungible tokens): one-of-a-kind digital artworks that offer a new business model for creators to thrive and thrive.
Proceeds from NFT sales directly benefit non-profit organizations based in each of the four cities that also work to promote justice and fairness in the cannabis industry.
If you see one you like (in person or online) you can purchase the NFTs for $420 through OpenSea. And that’s not all. As a special bonus, each mural includes a QR code that allows viewers to access augmented reality (AR) content on their phones.
Read on to learn more about the murals themselves, the notable artists behind them, and the organizations that will benefit from the sale of the NFTs.
Chicago, Illinois
Find the mural: 3555 N Clark St Chicago, IL 60657
Designed by: Shala.
Support NFT proceeds: Cannabis Equity IL Coalition
Learn more about Shala.
A pioneer in solar art Shala. creates dazzling large-scale sculptures and murals that double as generators of solar energy (the period is actually part of his name). One of his most famous pieces Shala’s Pyramid of the Sun from Bronzeville, stands 16 feet tall and is covered in custom solar panels and imaginative icons. His vibrant murals, which often span several stories, include playful and exuberant designs.
Shala.’s mural for Leafly – just across from Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs – features a woman of color lounging on a boat, enjoying both the view of Chicago’s lakefront and a joint. The mural evokes the calm and serenity of soothing cannabis strains. “I liked the idea of doing something simple and unexpected for a weed mural.
Something friendly but subversive”, Shala. explained. “The idea of putting up a mural of a black woman enjoying a cigarette in the middle of Wrigleyville was too good to pass up.”
Learn more about the Cannabis Equity Illinois Coalition
The Cannabis Equity IL Coalition is fighting to ensure Illinois’ burgeoning cannabis industry “puts people before profits.”
The grassroots organization works tirelessly to ensure the industry carries out repairs and reinvestments in communities hardest hit by the War on Drugs.
The coalition told Leafly that funds from the sale of NFTs will provide direct resources such as “Community Resource Fairs, Record Clearing Events, Know Your Rights and Community Advocacy Teach-Ins and more.”
Portland, Oregon
Wall address: 1637 SE MLK Blvd, Portland, OR
Designed by: Madgaline “Maggie” Wangin partnership with the Portland Street Art Alliance (PSAA)
Support NFT proceeds: Oregon Handler’s Fund
Learn more about Madgaline “Maggie” Wang
Madgaline “Maggie” Wang – also known as Magdre – began her artistic career in Portland, Oregon. She creates art in a range of mediums including murals, tattoos, drawings, prints, resin molds and more. Her style draws on elements of pop culture from the 90s and early 2000s, creating a world of nostalgia for her viewers. The Portland Street Art Alliance (PSAA) champions and champions street art and street artists. Since 2012 she has overseen more than 120 commissioned and publicly funded projects.
Maggie’s vibrant mural depicts some of Portlanders’ favorite pastimes — riding bikes, enjoying the balmy weather, and smoking cannabis.
“Partnering with Leafly was a no-brainer for me. I love to smoke and weed is a central part of my artistic process,” Maggie noted.
“I believe that everyone – and especially black and brown communities – should be able to enjoy weed without stigma. The mural captures what I love most about my hometown: that everyone can do what makes them happy, no matter what others think.”
Learn more about the Oregon Handlers Fund
Proceeds from the sale of this NFT mural will benefit the Oregon Handlers Fund. The organization has a single goal: to help black and non-black people obtain marijuana worker permits to facilitate opportunities to work in the cannabis industry.
“I’ve always wanted to help people. We want people of color to thrive in this industry,” the organization’s director, Raina Casey, told Leafly.
toronto canada)
Locate the mural: 587 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1M5, Canada
Designed by: Haena Jon
Non-profit name: Cannabis Amnesty
Learn more about Haena Joen
Haena “Haena.J” Joen is a freelance illustrator originally from South Korea. She currently resides in Toronto. Haena also works as a graphic designer and project manager at the Kadence World collective – a community agency founded by her husband Phil Song – which focuses on celebrating and promoting Korean skateboard culture.
Attached to the iconic Ruby Soho Bar in Toronto’s Design District, Haena’s serene mural depicts a woman of color enjoying cannabis, a book, and a picnic as the city skyline stretches across the horizon. “Growing up in South Korea, I was always told that cannabis was illegal and dangerous. But when I moved to Canada with my husband Phil and joined Kadence World, I saw the power good cannabis can have in building communities and fostering creativity,” she told Leafly.
Find out more about cannabis amnesty
Since 2018, Cannabis Amnesty has been advocating for Canadian communities harmed by cannabis prohibition and fighting for justice within the cannabis industry. Proceeds from NFT sales will support Cannabis Amnesty’s ongoing legislative efforts to ensure Canada’s historically and disproportionately harmed Black and Indigenous communities have access to the industry’s economic opportunities.
The NFT sale will also support a new legal clinic for Canadians with cannabis convictions and paid internships for marginalized Canadians hoping to break into the cannabis industry.
Washington, D.C
Locate the mural: 3124 Georgia Ave NW, Washington DC
Designed by: Shawn Perkins
NFT benefits from: Black Justice Center
Learn more about Shawn Perkins
Shawn Perkins, a widely recognized graphic designer, painter and muralist, also known as SP the Plug, was commissioned as one of several artists to paint the Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington, DC. His expansive paintings reference pop culture icons and cartoons. His murals can be seen on storefronts and walls in Washington, DC and beyond.
Perkins’ mural depicts a black woman—wearing beautiful, statement jewelry and a bold arm tattoo that reads “Knowledge is Flower”—enjoying a joint on a spring day in Washington, DC
The mural’s location – on the side of the popular House of Herbs pharmacy in the Park View neighborhood – has special meaning for Perkins.
“When I was in college at Howard, I walked by this wall a lot, and knowing how many people are going to see this message of activism and joy really speaks to me,” Shawn explained. “My creative process involves cannabis, so when I designed this art for Leafly I knew I wanted to evoke those feelings of creativity and joy that I get from smoking. That’s what the woman on the mural means to me,” he added.
Learn more about the Center for Black Equity
Proceeds from the NFT sale of this mural will benefit the Center for Black Equity (CBE), a nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, DC. CBE promotes a multinational network dedicated to improving health and wellness opportunities, economic empowerment and equality for LGBTQ people of African descent.
Leafly is committed to donating to all of our 420 NFT mural partners no matter what, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t rush to snag this unique and beautiful art as soon as possible.
Support your community, spread love and hug your fellow cannabis enthusiasts. It’s 4/20!
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Leafly is the world’s largest cannabis information resource, empowering people in the legal cannabis markets to learn about the right products for their lifestyle and wellness needs. Our team of cannabis professionals have years of combined experience in all aspects of the market, from cultivation and retail, to science and medicine, to data and technology.
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