Happy Kwanzaa! Kwanzaa celebrates African heritage here in America! The word “Kwanzaa” comes from the Swahili term for “harvest,” and this holiday tradition combines elements of multiple African harvest celebrations. You know we love a good harvest! 😉
Whether you’re a newbie to Kwanzaa or if you’ve celebrated before, enjoy our take on this cultural week of African American values. Here’s how to incorporate the seven principles of Kwanzaa into your cannabis consumption, routines, and advocacy:
1. Umoja: Unity
Cannabis naturally creates community. Host get togethers to chat about important issues regarding community, then at the next meet up, sesh together, then do something for the community such as stocking a community fridge, hosting a coat drive, or handing out women’s care items.
2. Ujichagulia: Self-Determination
Laziness is an outdated and inaccurate cannabis stigma. Next time you sesh, sesh with productivity in mind: fold that laundry, formulate a business plan, create a meal prep menu, or make a new schedule that incorporates your interests and hobbies.
3. Ujima: Collective Work and Responsibility
Take community action when a problem presents itself that impacts all of us. For example, boycott brands advocating against the home grow.
4. Ujamaa: Cooperative Economics
Support minority-owned businesses whenever possible. We are proud to be a Black woman-owned business! Some of our favorite Black-owned cannabis businesses are Viola, Lowd, Zyn Wellness, Saucy, Homebody, and Hybrid.
5. Nia: Purpose
Provide and share opportunities for people of color to live up to their greatest potential. There are many opportunities for those who feel their purpose is in cannabis. From graphic design, to social media, law, retail, accounting, and beyond, if the sector exists outside of cannabis, it exists in our industry, too! If you’re interested in getting involved with or working in the northeastern cannabis community, check out Equitable Opportunities Now.
6. Kuumba: Creativity
Cannabis often goes hand in hand with creativity. Next time you consume, tell a story through the medium of your choosing. Express yourself through writing, music, painting, knitting, cooking, and more.
7. Imani: Faith
Believe in the power of your community and believe in the power of plant medicine.