A better way

By Rian Kochel

There is one truth in our world that is universal. It influences not only everything living, but all of the components that create existence. It serves as the proverbial ink well from which the concept of history was drawn, as well as the force that pulls us toward the future.

What’s more, all the power this universal truth wields can be boiled down to three simple words: Change is inevitable.

Anyone that’s been lucid enough to blink these past two years can attest to this fact. However, let us not forget…while change has the power to influence people,  people also have the power to influence change.

  As the Founder and CEO of cannachange, O’Neil Rudolph is exemplifying what it means to influence change, with a dedication that is palpable. Her mission starts within the burgeoning cannabis industry, but the impact of her work is intentionally poised to improve the lives of marginalized communities across the U.S.

  After learning that the cannabis industry produces over 150 million tons of waste every year, Rudolph was compelled to change the way consumers like herself dispose of their cannabis packaging.

“I knew that most of the packaging for the products I purchase was recyclable, but most of it would go to the landfill if it wasn’t diverted to a different waste stream like a recycling facility.

 Unfortunately, even when cannabis packaging is disposed of in a typical recycling bin, most of it goes straight to the landfill,” Rudolph explained over a recent email exchange.

  “This inspired me to facilitate a sustainability initiative; it strives for consumer engagement and creates customer loyalty for dispensaries that care about sustainability.’

There is an obvious need for tech to prop up a project of this caliber, and Rudolph landed on a solution that is simple, flexible, and offers ease in integration.

“I felt that an app was the best way to [go]. With more options for compostable and reusable cannabis packaging being developed and becoming available, I wanted to be able to integrate with platforms these companies use. Then, incentivize consumers with points that can be applied to future purchases when they return unneeded packaging.

There’s a high consumer demand for cannabis sustainability initiatives, so if consumers are offered a very direct and accessible recycling option like cannachange, dispensaries can differentiate themselves and increase their profitability, making it beneficial for everyone involved.”

However, Rudolph recognizes to achieve true, impactful sustainability, you need to start with making the service accessible.

“[Access to] sustainability initiatives is something I don’t see addressed nearly enough,” she told me.

“If sustainability initiatives are only accessible to those in affluent communities, many other issues are being neglected. The same minority groups that are disproportionately affected by cannabis legislation are also disproportionately affected by climate change and unsustainable waste management. 

If we can divert recyclable cannabis packaging from the landfill, we can decrease the amount of greenhouse gasses accumulating in those areas and help improve long standing issues like air quality. 

A 2018 study performed by the Environmental Protection Agency found that Black people are exposed to 1.5 times more pollution than white people, and Hispanic people are exposed to 1.2 times more pollution than white people. The study also concluded that low-income neighborhoods are exposed to 1.3 times more pollution than higher income neighborhoods. The disparities associated with landfill locations are largely responsible for these statistics, and those landfills cause greenhouse gasses to build up in these communities.”

  Rudolph underscored this inequality by pointing out a common denominator shared by a larger issue.

“These rates are parallel to the injustices we see time and time again with racial disparities in cannabis related charges and arrests. Which is why- at cannachange- we see the need for increased sustainability in the cannabis industry, and how it becomes a necessity for environmental and racial justice.”

She also shared with me other facets of cannachange that are foundational to its purpose.

“This is a LGBTQ+ Woman owned business, and as such it’s extremely important to me to uplift other Woman and LGBTQ+ owned businesses. I will always be outspoken with my support and encouragement for others to do the same.”

Rudolph’s vision doesn’t end there, however. She hired a team of Woman identifying developers to build out the cannachange app and has made a commitment to work with this team on all future updates and expansions of the app.

 When I asked for her perspectives regarding what needs to change within the cannabis industry as it stands now, Rudolph’s response holds true to observations many of us working in this field see in our day-to-day lives.

  “From an outside perspective, the current state of the cannabis industry might appear diverse or more equitable than other established industries, but that’s incredibly far from the truth. 

 Systemic issues of cannabis criminalization are still deeply rooted in the cannabis industry, which is unquestionably dominated with white, cis, straight men.”

Rudolph also sees components to the identity of this emerging market that keep it unique.

         “I often think about how different I would feel towards my work and career if I wasn’t able to freely express my passion for cannabis and the sense of community it cultivates. Of course, there will always be big corporations or aspects of the industry where the genuine culture of cannabis gets lost, but I’m grateful for the many people I’ve met who are committed to preserving the community cannabis has allowed us to find- even in professional and business settings.”

  As the cannabis industry matures, there are bound to be growing pains that accompany everyone on that journey. But, as O’Neil Rudolph looks toward the future of cannabis, one truth shines bright on the horizon. 

It’s the power of change, and it's inevitable….       

“Black owned cannabis businesses deserve to be front and center in this industry, alongside Women and LGBTQ+ owned businesses. The world is changing, and minorities deserve to have their voices heard without having to be the loudest in the room. Companies can either choose to embrace that now, or have to play catch up once there’s no longer a space for inequitable companies to succeed.”

The cannachange app is available at the Apple app store and Google Play