{"id":543,"date":"2015-07-14T01:34:36","date_gmt":"2015-07-14T01:34:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cannachronicle.com\/?p=543"},"modified":"2015-07-14T01:34:36","modified_gmt":"2015-07-14T01:34:36","slug":"5-things-you-probably-dont-know-about-being-a-marijuana-activists","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cannachronicle.com\/2015\/07\/14\/5-things-you-probably-dont-know-about-being-a-marijuana-activists\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Things You Probably Don’t Know About Being a Marijuana Activists."},"content":{"rendered":"

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I dare to say that being a marijuana activist is unlike any other profession. \u00a0It is extremely difficult to understand what the activist goes through and the frustrations that comes along with such a profession. \u00a0It amazes me when people think that being a marijuana activist is a cool job. \u00a0These people may think that all the marijuana activist does is sit on the couch and smoke joints all day! \u00a0This couldn\u2019t be further from the truth. \u00a0The truth is that it is a very difficult career choice that can take a severe emotional toll. \u00a0Here are 5 things you might not know about being a marijuana activists:<\/p>\n

1. There will Never be a Shortage of Sad Stories in the Marijuana Movement.<\/p>\n

\"Picachu<\/a><\/p>\n

It\u2019s the very reason why we do what we do, but it certainly takes a toll. \u00a0The list of debilitating medical conditions that marijuana treats more effectively and safer than pharmaceuticals goes on and on. \u00a0These patients with conditions like epilepsy, cancer, PTSD, leukemia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and much more are counting on you to do your job right. \u00a0One thing that all these different patients have in common is that they all have suffered way more than they should. Constantly hearing sad stories, like these patients all have, can take a toll on you emotionally; however, it also acts as motivation to keep fighting. \u00a0The marijuana activist cannot stop till these people find relief.<\/p>\n

2. It can be Difficult to Differentiate the Greedy from the Compassionate at Times.<\/p>\n

\"pigs<\/a><\/p>\n

The marijuana movement has come a long way. \u00a0Rising out of the nonconformist movement of the 60\u2019s to what it is today, one thing is for sure, the marijuana industry is going to be the next big industry in America. \u00a0People are lining up and down the block to cash in on \u201cThe Green Rush\u201d. \u00a0With all the hype it is important for activists to remain grounded and remember why the business exists in the first place. \u00a0The welfare of the patients and the protection of the rights of all responsible users!<\/p>\n

3. We Work Crazy Hours.<\/p>\n

\"March<\/a><\/p>\n

True marijuana activists show more passion than I have ever seen before. \u00a0These people basically spend all their time scrambling to find new ways to spread awareness for their cause. \u00a0Whether planning an event, talking to the media, influencing legislatures, or just talking to the guy behind them in line at the local coffee shop about marijuana. \u00a0The activist is always working! \u00a0I can guarantee you that there is little time spent on the couch playing Xbox and eating Cheetos like one might think! \u00a0At the core the activist is trying to alleviate the patients suffering. \u00a0Who has time to rest when you are alleviating suffering? \u00a0I know that I am no stranger to working 60-80 hours a week. \u00a0We do this with pride and passion!<\/p>\n

4. Sooner or Later, Someone is Going to Mistake You for a Hippie.<\/p>\n

\"Hippie<\/a><\/p>\n

It doesn\u2019t matter what you do. \u00a0It doesn\u2019t matter if you have three Bachelor\u2019s degrees and a Master\u2019s in Business Administration. \u00a0It doesn\u2019t matter that you shower and comb your hair every morning. It doesn\u2019t matter your political views. \u00a0If you love capitalism and could never live in a commune. Or if you don\u2019t really listen to the Beatles or the Grateful Dead. \u00a0Some ignorant people are going to look at you as a hippie and will only see you as a filthy stoner! \u00a0This is very frustrating!<\/p>\n

5. We are Constantly Frustrated.<\/p>\n

\"Distressed<\/a><\/p>\n

Our life is constantly filled with frustration. Whether it\u2019s the long hours, the ignorance of the opposition, dealing with difficulty of influencing legislation, or comforting suffering patients it sometimes seems to never stop. This is simply a byproduct of trying to be an influence for change. \u00a0Change takes time and unfortunately this is time that many patients do not have the luxury to afford.
\nNone the less, being a marijuana activist is an important job, and it can certainly be a rewarding one as well. \u00a0I am not trying to complain about my profession, I couldn\u2019t imagine spending my time doing anything else. \u00a0However, it is important that people know the truth. \u00a0Emotions run high in this movement and there always seems like you could be doing more for the cause! \u00a0The marijuana movement is far from a collection of stoners and potheads. \u00a0It\u2019s filled with patients with debilitating conditions, entrepreneurs, lawyers, and medical professionals. \u00a0All of which are working tirelessly for reform and relief for the patients!<\/p>\n

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By: Carlos Jose Angel Hermida, M.B.A.<\/p>\n

Central Florida NORML, Deputy Director<\/p>\n

www.CentralFlNORML.org<\/a><\/p>\n

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