We all know what a shit show 2020 has been and while we will be tiptoeing softly into the new year, let’s consider what good came from this wretched year.

Women & LGBTQ+ Made History in the 2020 Election

We have a woman in the White House and we’re not talking about the first lady! Holla! Women & LGBTQ+ made history in this year’s elections with winning candidates like Kamala Harris, Cori Bush, Sarah McBride, Maryland Strickland, Ana Irma Rivera Lassén, Mauree Turner, Jennifer Rajkumar, and Taylor Small just to name a few! We are confident that with the relentless work of our newest candidates that actual change will be put into action. Americans also hit a record high with an estimated 66.5% turnout rate of eligible voters.

Systematic Racism is Acknowledged by White People

The horrific killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks Jr., Mike Ramos, Daniel Prude, and far too many more, have led to what might possibly be the biggest movement in US History. The NY Times reported in June that recent polls suggested up to 26 million Americans had participated in Black Lives Matter demonstrations. This is promising news that together we can make significant changes within our justice system.

Cannabis is Classified as “Essential” in Several States!

While the cannabis industry is still restricted from any sort of federal stimulus or bank loans—yes they STILL have to operate in cash! This acknowledgment is a significant step forward, especially for so many cannabis businesses that were already trying to stay afloat. We believe in federal legalization with safe and affordable access for everyone, as more states follow suit we can continue to educate lawmakers. There are many things wrong with the legal marijuana industry right now—businesses are heavily taxed at every level of production, consumers are heavily taxed making legal cannabis very expensive, businesses do not have access to safe banking, many medical patients require more than the legal dosage allowed, and the list goes on.

The newest states to free the flower are New Jersey, Vermont, Arizona, Montana, and South Dakota. While the news gets us another step closer to federal legalization, these states have a lot of work with regulation and standardization ahead.

The Salute to our Healthcare Workers

If you have ever been in a hospital, you know how much we rely on doctors, nurses, orderlies, staff, and volunteers. Often under-appreciated, are the selfless teams of professionals who keep us comfortable, clean, medicated, and safe risking their lives going to work every day during a pandemic. The nightly NY salutes completely restored our faith in humanity and made us all wish we could cheer from the rooftops.

Our Fourth Issue Cover Interview

Smack in the middle of lockdown, MJ’s Betsy Kabaker & Jennifer Skog connected with the first family of Endocannabinology, Doctors Janice, Rachel, and Jessica Knox about Healthcare, Equality, and Stepping into our Power. There is nothing better than experiencing this trio’s brilliance in person and we’ve got the next best thing—video footage of the interview! You can view Parts I & II here >

Harvey Weinstein Receives a 23-year Sentence

Unfortunately, he got to live quite a full 67 years of life with decades of abusing women before he got what he deserved, but alas! He is behind bars. To the brave women to come forward with your story, you have officially changed the course of our history empowering survivors to come forward and face their abusers.

Scotland Offers Free Period Products for All

Whoa!!! Can the rest of the world please follow suit? Scotland just unanimously passed The Period Products Bill requiring local authorities to ensure that period products are free to those who need them. Schools, colleges, and public places must make menstrual products like pads and tampons freely available.

Currently, in the US, 3o states still impose a tax on period products. Learn more about the force behind fighting to make menstrual products tax-exempt from Period Equity.

9% Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions

BloombergNEF recently reported that the US is on track to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 9% in 2020 compared to 2019. While the decline is incredible, it is believed that the change would have only been 1% if not for the pandemic crisis. Hopefully, this can be the headstart we need toward making some long term changes around the globe.

The Visualize & Thrive Wellness Event

Somehow, all of the stars aligned and we were able to get our first womxn’s plant wellness day retreat in before lockdown hit. Partnering with Just Be Yoga and Luminary Farms, the magical day included a plant-based meal prepared by Atlas Edibles, CBD Massages, CBD Education, Yoga, and a Breathwork Healing Meditation by Aria Diana. See More Here >

Volunteers & Essential Workers

We are eternally grateful for the people who have risked their lives to keep ours going. From farmers to truck drivers to grocery employees, we have relied on them but so rarely get to say ‘thank you’ in person. From us to you, THANK YOU!!

Also, did you know that over half a million people volunteered to test the Covid-19 vaccine? ❤️

SPARK THE CONVERSATION

Know someone who could benefit from this article?  Share it with them: