The last two articles I wrote, the first two, were hard to write because, honestly, they both had stepped into a shadowy area of our industry, maybe just being human, and I was asking you to stand there and look at what you have lost. And, you know, that perspective is important and must be faced, but not accepted.
Each of us must face what challenges us, and within our chosen industry, there is much to challenge us. Do we wallow, or do we stand firm? You know the answer. Humans are such a sorry lot, and the black market introduced me to plenty of them. But I can still remember my ex-wife commenting at dinner when I sighed and stated that finally, I wouldn’t have to be second-guessing every dealer – she said, you think legal will change any of that? Wise woman.
So, it isn’t an illegal market or legal market; it is attitude.
For all of that, you still don’t stand alone. Humboldt taught me that I stand with a community.
Over and over, community members have had my back; this is why, in large part, I started hosting the Cannabis Show. I wanted to give something back. You can do that as well.
You don’t have to go big; small actions and small involvements are so important. Do what you can with heart and with what time you have. Your mere presence could make the day for someone. Last year, we had a booth at the North Beach Faire on a warm San Francisco weekend, and we sold our stuff like hotcakes. And I stood at the corner of our booth on the edge of the passing crowd and hawked. You know, “Hey, you, yeah you, come on over here. What a sweet couple and two kids; well, you definitely want to think about what we have, what with two kids – whew!” That always got smiles and even a few people in the booth. Or, I would beckon to a handsome (or not) older couple as they passed, “ Come on over,” with a wave of my arm, “ bet I am your age. Look at me, with my cane and all – pot will help all your ills.” You know, I was hawking in a crowd, but one person after another ended up smiling, and damn if that ain’t core to what community can do. I even made a couple of business contacts. 🙂
Oh, and I wave to folks as I pass them on the road. Yeah, I know, but years ago, I came into my adulthood as a hippie.
Listen to Steve as he hosts The Cannabis Show on KMUD Community Radio. The show airs every Monday from 5 to 6 PM Pacific, and it is archived at kmud.org.
“Craft” is an Attitude