ACTIVISM: Fighting RESTRICtions AGAINST cannabis BUSINESSES

As a proud small business owner in New York, where cannabis is legally recognized, I’m constantly navigating a maze of outdated barriers. Despite operating fully within state law, my business, which centers around cannabis product photography and creative services, faces the same struggles as those directly in the cannabis industry.

One of the most pressing issues is the denial of access to critical online tools. Even though I don’t sell cannabis, my business is treated as if I do. I’ve been blocked from using essential eCommerce platforms, preventing me from selling fine art, booking clients, accepting payments for invoices, and growing through merchandise. This is not just about my business—this is about a broader pattern of exclusion that unfairly targets those of us supporting the cannabis community, simply because of outdated federal policies.

This unjust treatment stifles small businesses like mine. I provide art, I capture the beauty and creativity of this burgeoning industry, but I’m being forced to operate with one hand tied behind my back. As the cannabis market continues to grow, so too should our rights to run legitimate businesses without fear of being shut out of the financial and technological tools that every other industry takes for granted.

We need a fair system that supports all facets of this community—whether we touch the plant or not. The time for change is now. I’m standing up for my business, for the rights of all cannabis entrepreneurs, and for a future where we can operate freely and thrive without being unjustly restricted. Let’s demand a marketplace that respects the legality and importance of cannabis businesses in every form, and ensures that we all have the opportunity to grow.