Although support for the legalization of cannabis remains at an all-time high, many U.S. senators have yet to take a side on the issue and bills that would advance the legalization movement have largely been ignored by Congress.
That lack of action or even acknowledgement is precisely why the U.S. Cannabis Council and HeadCount’s Cannabis Voter Project have banded together to launch Cannabis in Common, a new campaign that urges voters to contact their elected representatives to remind them of how popular cannabis has become in North America.
The campaign reminds voters that there are still draconian drug laws at the federal level and in many U.S. states that disproportionately target people of color. The campaign also points out that federal legalization will create hundreds of thousands of jobs that could revitalize communities and provide much-needed taxes toward schools, transit and other federally funded amenities.
“This campaign puts the power back in the hands of citizens by driving direct civic engagement,” HeadCount executive director Andy Bernstein said in a press release. “It’s been incredible to see the entire cannabis community rally around this in a coordinated way.”
The Cannabis in Common campaign is the largest coordinated grassroots effort to legalize cannabis that has been made in the cannabis industry’s short existence.
The campaign launched with separate videos starring celebrities Sarah Silverman and Seth Rogen explaining the issues surrounding cannabis legalization and how watchers can help further the cause. Following the launch, dozens of cannabis brands will be messaging their customers and followers on social medial with content from a diverse group of cannabis ambassadors such as comedians Jessimae Peluso and Doug Benson and rapper Jojo Simmons.
“We are creating a lasting grassroots engagement platform that will harness the collective power of cannabis consumers and advocates,” U.S. Cannabis Council CEO Steven Hawkins said in a press release. “An overwhelming majority of Americans hold our views. It’s time for Congress to catch up.”
— Patrick Wagner