In the year 2020, it’s about time we normalize cannabis. Practically everyone you know and their grandmother either smokes cannabis, applies topical CBD products, or eats the occasional gummy bear. And with COVID-19 on the loose, further and further states find themselves in a financial, economic disaster. Experts say that one of the best ways to avoid a recession is to legalize cannabis for medical and recreational use. States could benefit from cannabis income now more than ever.

With federal legalization up in the air (neither Trump nor Biden seems completely onboard), it’s up to YOU to normalize cannabis. We rounded up some key ways we can help spread the word of cannabis in a casual, educational manner that eliminates the tired stigma once and for all.

Small steps we can take to normalize cannabis

Call it cannabis

Firstly, we should give cannabis a proper name and use its scientific one. Nicknames like “pot” and “weed” just sound less than. If we want cannabis use to be taken seriously, let’s agree to call it by its grown-up name—no more “ganja” or “Mary Jane.” Imagine if you had to explain to your boss that you partake for medical reasons.

“Hey, boss, I need to smoke weed for my chronic pain” versus “Hey, boss, I have a medical cannabis card to help with my chronic pain.” Which sentence do you think they’d be more receptive to? Probably the latter.

Educate younger generations

It’s true what they say: kids really are the future. If want the world to be a better place, it starts with the education of the younger generations. Teach your kids about cannabis, including all the pros and cons so they have a well-rounded outlook rather than a biased one.

And maybe, once your child turns 18 and expresses interest in cannabis use, you can be the first one to smoke with them. Isn’t it the more responsible move to smoke with a parent than a classmate? After all, it’s the parents who know what they’re doing. With further education, we can normalize cannabis for all future generations to come.

Avoid the stereotypes

Forget what you’ve seen on TV or in movies, the effects of cannabis come with valuable effects other than lounging on the couch all day with the munchies—not that there’s anything wrong with that, it’s just not the full picture.

Those unfamiliar with cannabis may think that it makes users lazy, unmotivated, and lethargic…but that’s not entirely true! Some cannabis strains provide the exact opposite effects with elevated energy, creativity, and motivation. Don’t let your friends and family fall for the media stereotypes.

Vote, vote, vote

Do you want to live in a more cannabis-friendly America? Or Canada? Or Brazil? If so, you need to vote to normalize cannabis and relegate it! And vote consistently year after year! The man or woman you vote into office may hold the key to future cannabis laws and regulations. They have the power to legalize cannabis from all angles.

In the US, we may have screwed ourselves out of federal legalization now that we’re down to Trump and Biden for 2020. Oh, and apparently Kanye West, which has to be a joke. Federal legalization may not happen for the next four years and it’s all our fault. Let that sink in. Both Sanders and Warren supported federal legalization and we cast them aside.

Normalize Cannabis: What Are The Signs?

At this point, you may be thinking, “Haven’t we normalized cannabis yet?” and “How do we know when we’ve achieved our goal?” In part, yes, we have done a fair amount of work over the years to normalize cannabis…but more work must be done! These are some signs that we’re making progress.

  • Cannabis tax money goes to help schools
  • Cannabis-themed weddings become more common
  • Cities host cannabis-crawls for tourists
  • People meet each other on cannabis dating apps
  • Multiple states legalize cannabis this year

That last factor is key. One of the best and most influential ways to normalize cannabis stems from state-wide laws. Please, please, please, not more jail time for people caught with cannabis in their pockets or in their vehicles. First, lawmakers must decriminalize cannabis as step one and then follow through with laws that keep underage citizens out of jail.