HAPPY LEGALIZATION!!!
If you would have told me 5 years ago, that I would be sitting here writing my blog on Cannabis I would never have believed you. I was running a restaurant and pretty new to all things cannabis. We talked a lot at work about the impending legalization and what that will look like. I used cannabis on the medical side for the first time at age 42 a couple years before recreational cannabis became legal. I am still in essence, a ‘newbie’.
The reality is cannabis changed my life.
I injured myself in 2016 and despite every effort and a string of specialists, it is an injury that I will live with forever. So I found myself in pain, stressed out and not sleeping. Pharmaceuticals offered little relief and a lot of side effects so I needed to explore other options….enter cannabis. The difference this made in my quality of life was quite astounding.
So began my journey to here….Moderna.
I sold my restaurant in 2018 and found myself middle-aged and looking to start a new career. Cannabis was on the brink of legalization and everyone was hiring. So, I began looking. It took a minute to find the job for me and in June 2019 I started working at a store down the street from my house. Everyone was new and there was much to learn. My mind became a sponge for all things cannabis. The store I was working at, was definitely not the right fit for me, so I found my way to Moderna as it was getting ready to open.
The ever changing world of weed.
So much has changed since 2019. Thousands of legal products are now available and in all varieties and ever expanding. There are products for everyone and more and more ‘newbies’ like me, are finding their way to cannabis. Every day I help at least one customer looking for an alternative. Looking to relax and be happy. It is a bit of work to keep up on all the products, but it's a sacrifice I am willing to make ;) There is really nothing more satisfying than helping someone to find that perfect product. When they return and thank us, and try new things, we have done our job. Whether it be edibles, or smokeables or topicals, there really is something for everyone.
The ‘illegal’ stigma.
It is interesting how many people still look at it as ‘illegal’ even though we are celebrating 4 years of legalization. They pay in cash, they don’t join loyalty programs, they would rather no one know they are here, but they also appreciate being able to buy it and be confident in what they are getting. Maybe in another four years and other countries embrace it and legalize it, this stigma will change.
I look forward to seeing what the next few years holds for our industry. What kind of products will we see by then? What regulations will we see eased as we become more accepted? It is an exciting time to be in cannabis and I can’t wait to enjoy the ride. I shudder to think, where would I be right now if it weren’t for cannabis? I am glad I don't’ have to find out.