Oregon has exceptional cannabis available at hundreds of excellent dispensaries, many of which have quiet but impactful giving campaigns that you may not be aware of. To help remedy that, here's Canna Charity, a new, regularly updated repository of local dispensaries and brands that are making a difference this holiday season. (If you're aware of a charitable cannabis-related program through the end of the year, send me a press release, link, or quick email about it. Support dispensaries and brands that support good causes.)
Up first! Until November 24, the MindRite dispensary in Northwest Portland is collecting non-perishable items in a food drive for the Oregon Food Bank. Mindrite has a goal of 1,500 pounds, and they're rewarding members of their rewards program with an additional two points for every item they bring in.
This doesn't mean be a dick and bring in a case of $2 swap-meet-purchased ramen to fatten your account—the Oregon Food Bank is asking for specifics such as peanut butter, pasta, rice, cooking oil, canned tuna/meats, and canned or boxed meals such as stews, soups, and chilis. In other words, things that you would want to eat. Don't bring left over Halloween candy, home canned goods, or anything promoting obesity and diabetes, such as Little Debbies. (In fact, don't even fuck with those horrid Little Debbies, ever, even if you're super high. You're better than that. #youheardme)
The Oregon Food Bank has a statewide network of 21 regional food banks and 1,200 food assistance sites in Oregon and Clark County, Washington. Every month, more than 250,000 people receive food from one of the the network pantries. Oregon's rate of food insecurity is more than 14 percent, with about 195,000 of those being children.
Their message: "Food assistance is provided to anyone who needs it. Our Network ensures access without discrimination against any person because of race, color, citizenship, religion, reprisal, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran."
The MindRite dispensary is located at 1780 NW Marshall, but seasonal shut-in stoners can do their part: MindRite offers delivery, and their drivers can pick up your donation.