Ethnic Diversity in Cannabis: Navigating Stigma and Health Challenges

[MC Overgrow]

Ethnic Diversity in Cannabis: Navigating Stigma and Health Challenges - PatientsCann UK®

In this article, we explore the stigma associated with cannabis, the challenges faced by ethnic communities in the UK, and offer guidance for those seeking medical cannabis treatment.

patientscann.org.uk

 

[Fiddlesticks]

Hmmm i struggle with this article.
Stop and search is not in relation to drugs only as this article tries to make out and is controversial. Medical Cannabis is a remedy to stop and search if it is a problem.
I dont think that there is any ethnic barrier to entry regarding UK medical cannabis.

The rest of the issues raised in the article have nothing to do with ethnicity.
I think there is a far greater stigma towards cannabis in indigenous populations than there is in immigrant ones.

 

[MC Overgrow]

Hmmm i struggle with this article.
Stop and search is not in relation to drugs only as this article tries to make out and is controversial. Medical Cannabis is a remedy to stop and search if it is a problem.
I dont think that there is any ethnic barrier to entry regarding UK medical cannabis.

The rest of the issues raised in the article have nothing to do with ethnicity.
I think there is a far greater stigma towards cannabis in indigenous populations than there is in immigrant ones.

Thanks for engaging with the article and sharing your thoughts . From my perspective & lived experiences I believe it argues that ethnic minorities face disproportionate enforcement under the 1971 Act and unique barriers to accessing medical cannabis. You make a fair point about stigma in indigenous populations, but the article focuses on systemic issues like stop-and-search stats and cultural gaps in healthcare. You're also right that stigma around cannabis exists in all communities, but the article’s point is that ethnic minorities often face different, systemic challenges on top of that. For example I’ve had some interesting discussions within my own community and managed to change some people’s perception. Definitely worth a closer look, but I appreciate your take as always.

 

[Fiddlesticks]

I think you are right and it is just the case that I am ignorant of the true stigma that a minority faces simply as I am not part of that subsection.
I dont like to be ignorant believe it or not!
Similarly all my opinions are only shaped from one perspective.
I see all cannabis users as my people. Truly an issue of colourblindness and I think it is important to discuss like we do. As you say there are different challenges and also different strengths within each community to aid our cause.
Indeed I could argue that changes in cannabis laws might not have come at all without the considerable immigration that we have experienced and the shift away from alcohol culture. We are maybe indebted in this way.
Lastly I do not want to be dismissive of any of the issues raised as they effect us all, and I guess I see identity politics of all manners being used to divide us. Young, old. Red, Blue. etcetc
There should be no division of the medical cannabis community.

One love

 

[MC Overgrow]

I think you are right and it is just the case that I am ignorant of the true stigma that a minority faces simply as I am not part of that subsection.
I dont like to be ignorant believe it or not!
Simlilarly all my opinions are only shaped from one perspective.
I see all cannabis users as my people. Truly an issue of colourblindness and I think it is important to discuss like we do as you say there are different challenges and also different strengths within each community to aid our cause.
Indeed I could argue that changes in cannabis laws might not have come at all without the considerable immigration that we have experienced and the shift away from alcohol culture. We are maybe indebted in this way.
Lastly I do not want to be dismissive of any of the issues raised and I guess I see identity politics of all manners being used to divide us. Young, old. Red, Blue. etcetc
There should be no division of the medical cannabis community.

One love

I feel safe to raise and discuss these issues. That’s a compliment to MedBud and to you, & the community on here in general.

I’ve done a lot of work in my career around barriers to healthcare, current priorities include digital exclusion..(especially the elderly) probably won’t impact you or me so much but certainly people we know and individuals within our cannabis community. Appalled to read yesterday that Alternaleaf didn’t have a system in place to conduct an online consultation with a patient with a hearing impairment.. this is basic stuff and is not acceptable.

So as you say, all of us together is the only way forward, sharing and understanding each other’s perspectives and challenges with respect and care. Someone clever said "True ignorance is not the absence of knowledge, but the refusal to acquire it."

 

[Fiddlesticks]

So as you say, all of us together is the only way forward, sharing and understanding each other’s perspectives and challenges with respect and care. Someone clever said "True ignorance is not the absence of knowledge, but the refusal to acquire it."

Great post. I wish I could give it two updoots. I hope more of the community feels free to discuss things too and leave the thread for them to do so.
Thanks for starting the discussion.

 

[Delta 9]

There will be an over representation of white middle aged males who are getting MC on prescription and thats why i think ye seen endometriosis and under representation on female patients highlighted. Minorities will be the same an under representation for whatever reasons and this article skims over.
Touching on stigma within communities i think ayurvadic practice could educate even cultures outwith their own on benefits of cannabis but would it not be better to have own access to cannabis especially for religious reasons with different forms like bhang hindu or rasta bong instead of herding people into boxes of consumption.

The demographic that can tick all boxes who is under represented is working class regardless of gender , faith or nationality , 1 voice many cultures.
This does not take away the issues raised that minorities face on a daily basis.

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