At Talking Joints Memo, we don’t typically do politics. We cover regulation and the occasional Beacon Hill hearing, but we’re not the ones holding campaign signs.
That all changed about a year ago, when we were among the first to call out the prohibitionists attempting to shutter dispensaries. The months since have been a whirlwind, not only due to covering their nonsense every inch along the way, but also thanks to the exhilaration that naturally comes with fighting for your livelihood and something you believe in.
We have had several partners in our grassroots “No on 8” push, but none more notable than NECANN. They not only took an active role while others sat on their hands, but shared our vision to equip budtenders in particular with the knowledge, swag, and motivation to effectively spread the word. Not just in their stores, but to their friends and relatives as well. Who better?
The first of these two “Burn & Learn” events took place at the Summit Lounge in Worcester in September. Thanks to Canna G.E.M.S. which organized and promoted the event, we packed the house with people eager to demolish the repeal. We sent heads back to their dispensaries with the tools they need to fight, and interviews from that event are still gaining more views every week.
Our second “Burn & Learn” at the Gateway in Lawrence was a proper part deux, and the weather was on our side too. More than 60 friends and stakeholders showed up to party, build, and preview our Question 8 documentary, “Just Say No!” They also left with bagsful of signs, buttons, and handouts. Our message to the room: Yes, we’re likely to win, but this is not the time to rest, it’s the time to run up the score on these bastards!
If you’re feeling the energy and want to join us in the final stretch—plus if you want to see our short doc on the referendum before its online release on Friday, Oct. 30—you can join us in Orleans on Cape Cod for bowling and “No on 8” networking on Oct. 28, or at Quincy Golf Lounge next to Quincy Cannabis Co. on Oct. 29. And of course, don’t forget to tell everyone to vote “no” on Question 8 on Nov. 3.
