Over the years, we have seen a drastic rise in the use of cannabis. Whether the general population is smoking or ingesting it, most of us can agree that it is no surprise cannabis, ultimately, became legal as of 2017 in the UK, before it was passed in 2018 in California. Whatever the case may be, studies have shown multiple results in exactly why people who smoke or intake, use cannabis. Regardless of the so-called bad reputation in which cannabis has developed over the years, we can admit that studies and scientists have proved its benefits to both an individual’s life and society.

According to a 2018 Business Insider article entitled, “25 Benefits of Marijuana,” there have been both medical and non-medical reasons why people use it.  Some examples are for back pain, chronic pain, controlling epileptic seizures, and decreasing seizures and the risk of Alzheimer’s and bowel disease. It is straightforward too because people also simply enjoy smoking or ingesting cannabis for “fun.” Sides effects have been prone to show more positive results than someone who drinks an excessive amount. Unlike alcohol, smoking or ingesting cannabis shows an increase in appetite, mood, and often productivity where multiple users claim that weed helps them start and complete goals and day-to-day tasks.

Other studies have also shown the perks that cannabis has on one’s mental health. Although the comparison between mental health and cannabis is a controversial one, it is something that should not be fret over. 

According to multiple sources and studies such as Research Weekly, claims are, yes, proven that if one does intake an overload of amount of cannabis, then there are the possible side effects of psychosis episodes. However, like everything else in the world from hobbies to what we eat and drink, overuse and excessive intake will inevitably make the body react. In the end, it is also the cannabis users’ responsibility to monitor how much they smoke and intake, especially on a day-to-day basis.

Furthermore, using cannabis has shown a decrease in one’s anxiety and depression, where individuals are said to feel ‘happier’ or more ‘relaxed’ after their usage. Another interesting factor is that cannabis has also shown results of protecting any head trauma that an athlete might have suffered, especially in rough sports such as football, boxing, and baseball.

Lastly, cannabis will forever have an ongoing debate if it is ‘good’ or ‘bad.’ One aspect we can admit is that cannabis has yet to show any severe or deadly factors, including death itself when used. Cannabis is a freedom of choice; there is no so-called right or wrong answer for using it because it DOES have a less chance of impairing someone at the wheel--unlike drinking or doing drugs--to also not getting in one’s ‘way’ from living their life and going through their daily routine. 

If anything, individuals just need to bear in mind when using cannabis - be certain to do so for your own sake and not the pressures by anyone, including society itself. Until then, cannabis is the way!

Hello, my name is Dylan I am an alcoholic and a drug addict.

Now, this is the part where you would all respond: Hi, Dylan.

I was an addict for years. My journey began in 2001, that was when I admitted I was powerless over drugs and alcohol and that my life has become unmanageable. That day was January 15th, it was also the best day of my life and still continues to be. 

The events of that day and my surrender have charted a course in my life and that course has led me into the cannabis industry. Now let me clear up a few things right off the top. I consider myself to be a sober individual. I no longer drink, smoke or ingest mind altering substances of any kind, yet I am a big advocate of cannabis, just not for me or people whom are wired like me. I do make an exception for those addicted to opioids. I believe in harm reduction for opioid addiction and cannabis has been proven to be an effective tool in reducing the harms that can come from opioid addiction. 

Now, I did not always think this way. 

Once upon a time, I was sort of a Big Book thumper and believed that 100% abstinence was the only way to battle addiction. Today my views have shifted and I think each individual has to treat addiction in a manner that is most effective for them. The key for me has been staying true to myself and always knowing that I am an addict. As long as people with addiction issues do not lie to themselves and adhere to the first step, “We admitted we were powerless and that are lives had become unmanageable,”  people like me can work in any industry we choose.

I know there are some people in 12-Step Programs who might not share my view and I am okay with that. My sobriety is a precious gift that I will not only share in hopes that I might inspire others, but go to every measure to protect. 

Getting sober has not only saved my life but gives me the tools to simply appreciate life. Because of my sobriety, I have grown into the socially conscious person that I am today. It was the 12-Step rooms that taught me to be less judgmental and to recognize that everyone is worthy of a second, third, forth- chance.  The rooms always stuck with me and loved me until I learned to love myself and that everyone deserves to be loved. 

Regardless of my past, I have now turned it into something that has grown into something extraordinary, and that is exactly what I have done by creating Freedom House Reentry Education and Employment Corporation (FREE) and FREE Commercial Cannabis. 

Being the CEO of a cannabis company is second nature for me.. Did I mention that several years before my recovery, I sold drugs as a side business? I was a very bad drug dealer in the sense that I broke the cardinal drug dealer rule because I would get high on my own supply. Yeah…

As a matter of fact, the main reason why I resorted to dealing drugs, in the first place, was because I hated waiting on my drug dealer to, well, deliver my drugs. Why, you might ask? It is simple. In the words of Rick James, “Cocaine is a hellava drug.”

In a good ole’ addict fashion, I reasoned that it would be a good idea to purchase large quantities of cocaine, that way I would never run out. Plus, I thought if I sold those quantities to my friends, then it would literally pay for itself and I would actually be a responsible individual because I was saving money. 

Today, I yearn to make an impact on all communities by  selling cannabis. Although, the War on Drugs has resulted in disproportionate law enforcement, where people of color and  low-income communities are being targeted and incarcerated, the cannabis industry does NOT always need to be affiliated with negativity.   

What I do today is important because it addresses the issue of what the War on Drugs has done to these communities and to the people who live in them. Individuals such as myself must continue to help others, so they can live an alcoholic and drug free life.

Here at FREE Commercial Cannabis, our company is a social equity movement that addresses those harms that are done by society. This includes racism, greed, and overall disrespect to people due to the color of their skin and way of living. At FREE, we are giving men, women, children, and ALL ethnicities a voice by allowing them to sit at the table. We hear you and will continue to fight for you.
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As we progress forward, we are using money from the now-legal cannabis industry to re-invest in the communities that suffered under prohibition policy. FREE hopes to encourage employment and ownership opportunities in the industry. My name is Dylan, and I am a proud sober CEO of a cannabis company. Until we meet again!