You’ve read all of the articles, you know all the benefits. You understand that cannabis can ease the pain of illnesses such as epilepsy, glaucoma, Crohn’s disease and multiple sclerosis. You also know cannabis has the ability to make chemotherapy bearable.
You fully comprehend how legalization would impact the world of medicine and provide natural alternatives to the ailing. While saving millions of tax dollars by putting an end to the war on drugs. The question is, what can you do? How can you join the movement to legalize cannabis?
One way to have your voice heard is through contacting your legislation regarding the issue of cannabis legalization.
You are a voter, and they want your votes. It is your right, and duty, to ensure that the people representing you are doing so while upholding your views. If you are unable to leave your residence, or you simply have a busy schedule there are other options. A few legitimate alternatives are emailing or calling your legislators to let them know your opinions on this issue, is a good first step. Most say that calling has more of an impact than emailing. A large amount of calls or emails regarding a hot topic such as this one can cause the powers at be to stop and listen to the people they are representing.
If you have more time on your hands and wish to take on a more active role, joining a coalition is a worthwhile option that can put you on the front lines of the pro-cannabis fight. Globally, there are many different organizations working toward this cause. The internet is the best means for finding a group near you, and will also give you insights to local demonstrations.
For United States residents, websites like www.norml.org, and www.wfwproject.org provide a magnitude of opportunities for involvement. ENCOD, or the European Coalition for Just and Effective Drug Policies, is a European coalition fighting against unlawful drug policies. Visiting their website, www.encod.org, can give you more information regarding the European fight for just laws regarding drug policies, and can also provide opportunities to volunteer or play an active role.
Around the world, websites like www.drogriporter.hu, www.stopthedrugwar.org, and www.drugpolicy.org can offer you with education and insights regarding current happenings. Associating yourself with these types of organizations will help to keep you informed and active in demonstrations organized by the top groups fighting in the war on legalization.
Facebook is also a great resource when trying to locate a group or organization to become active with. Searching through Facebook for sites working toward the pro-cannabis cause can lead you to the group of people you’ve been wanting to meet. Once you are affiliated with a group in your area, it will be easy for you to find local protests and demonstrations; you can get out and literally have your voice heard!
Protest groups want your participation.
There is definitely something behind the old saying of strength in numbers. More than likely, any group you find whether a website organization or Facebook group, will welcome you to join them with open arms.
If you have never participated in a pro-cannabis protest before, there are some things you should be aware of before heading out for your first experience. Although you don’t have to bring anything, bringing a sign with you to the protest can make you feel like you are taking a more active role.
Although shouting and chanting can definitely be effective, creating a sign with your feelings toward the war on drugs can make your ideals stick out to the crowd, which is your reason behind doing this, right?
People witnessing your protest will read the signs, whether in person that day or even weeks later on social media. With a sign you can be sure that your points will be seen, and it’s possible that your words could be just what makes the greatest impact.
Although you want to be sure to voice your opinions and make a difference, you don’t need to feel like you have to take a leadership position at your first protest. As you become more comfortable with the process, it’s possible that you can even initiate your own protests. Fighting unlawful cannabis laws is the start of this journey and it makes sense to actively participate by watching the people who have several years of experience lead the demonstration. Just because you aren’t the “leader” of the group doesn’t mean you aren’t making just as big of an impact.
Even though it may seem like common sense, ensuring you dress appropriately to a demonstration is the best way to guarantee that you will be focused on the cause rather than your comfort. In most cases, you will be walking or standing for a long period of time. Take that into consideration when planning what to wear to your event. It’s also a good idea to check the weather. You want to be prepared to stand in the cold, rain, etc. Know what you’re getting into before you get there.
Lastly, just be yourself. You are participating in this event because you have a belief. A belief that cannabis should be legalized and available to anyone that feels it would be to their benefit. A belief that people should be allowed to make their own decisions when it comes to the consumption of cannabis. A belief that we should stop supplementing artificial medicines when we have a more natural alternative that doesn’t poison our bodies.
Everyone is there for the same reason, and all are hoping to accomplish the same goal; the global legalization of cannabis. Talk, share stories, make friends, educate; that’s what you’re there to do. After participating in even just a few events, it’s likely that you will make great friends and discover a wonderful support system that will enable you to continue on the pursuit of legalization.
If you want to see things change, you have to work for it. There is no reason to sit on the sidelines hoping that things will someday be different when you can be part of reason changes are made. Every person working together can impact this issue, but it’s up to you to try.
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