By Luke Sumpter


Every culture has its taboos; engaging in certain behaviours comes with a degree of shame. While some actions are inherently immoral and deserving of stigma, others are viewed as negative through social engineering. Cannabis serves as a perfect example of the latter. Humans cultivated the herb for thousands of years to build, nourish, and heal. Although prohibition reared its head several times over the past few centuries, the efforts to vilify cannabis during the 1900s still impact the way most societies view the herb today.

Below, you’ll find out why so much residual stigma clings to cannabis. Once we get to the bottom of that issue, we’ll show you how this mark of shame still impacts the industry. But things are changing for the better; positive transformations within the cannabis market, particularly within cannabis cultivation, are likely to flip rampant stigma on its head and transmute it into respect.

Why Does So Much Stigma Surround Cannabis?

One word: propaganda. There are two ways to look at reality. The first involves objectivity. When we harness the scientific method and do our best to cast bias aside, we often produce repeatable and consistent results that paint a solid picture of the truth. The second way involves ideology. When we abandon objectivity and instead gaze through the lens of bias, we skew reality in favour of our own desires, goals, and intended outcomes.

What does this have to do with cannabis? Even a brief look at the history of the herb during the 20th century will reveal obscene claims, malevolent characters, and foul play fuelled by prejudice and menace instead of objectivity and truth.

Cannabis was featured in the United States Pharmacopoeia from 1850–1942. Long before this, myriad cultures used the herb for holistic reasons, ranging from ancient China and Japan to the Middle East.

So what happened? Why did one of our oldest botanical allies suddenly get dropped? In the United States, propagandists that supported cannabis criminalisation launched a yellow journalism campaign based on lies and racism. Anti-cannabis sentiments started to brew in the 1930s, reaching a fever pitch following the release of Reefer Madness in 1936—a film that links cannabis use to hallucinations, attempted rape, and murder.

This fictional hit did its job, and officials passed the Marihuana Tax Act in 1937, enabling the control and taxation of all cannabis sales. Harry Anslinger, the man behind the legislation, continued to dirty the public image of cannabis. Anslinger stoked racist lies and spread the word that cannabis induced hellish violence, especially in Black and Hispanic communities.

Over the next few decades, militarised language started to enter the debate. President Nixon initiated the War on Drugs with the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. This made cannabis public enemy number one, and shoved the herb into the Schedule 1 category alongside heroin and cocaine.

Why Does So Much Stigma Surround Cannabis?
Font: Wnyc (www.wnyc.org)

The Global Impact of Cannabis Prohibition

Of course, cannabis prohibition had a global spread. While some point to a masterfully orchestrated conspiracy at the helm, it more likely boils down to something inherent to human nature. Undoubtedly, those with a vested interest and strong lobbying presence have played a significant role in prohibition—but much of the bias comes from people judging something that they don’t understand.

Without the science to explain the cannabis high, different cultures came up with their own interpretation. The Hindu Vedas state that a guardian angel lives in the leaves, whereas prohibitionists often associate the shift in consciousness with insanity.

Although much of the exaggerated fear behind cannabis has dissipated, the herb remains unjustly criminalised in most countries, and stigma around it still exists even in nations with legal cannabis marketplaces.

Medical Cannabis Users Also Bear the Brunt

Thankfully, we’re seeing some progress, with several countries legalizing the herb to some degree. But the waters remain murky. Legal grey areas make matters confusing, and the residual stigma means medical cannabis users are left without concrete advice.

A total of 36 states in the US have approved medical cannabis programmes, but the plant remains a Schedule 1 drug at the federal level. This inconsistent classification leaves some employers feeling concerned, and means medical users may risk losing their jobs or getting dumped before completing the interview process. Reports from Pennsylvania[1] detail veterans with PTSD and back issues missing out on job opportunities because they were honest with potential employers about their medical cannabis use.

Again, we see a clash between sound objectivity and irrational bias. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in the United States classifies cannabis as a Schedule 1 substance on the grounds that it has a high potential for abuse and poses no currently accepted medicinal value. A host of research paints a different picture. Alcohol and tobacco are also freely available, and easily fulfil the Schedule 1 criteria.

Even in legal regions, medical cannabis users are still suffering from the aftershock of prohibition from many decades past. But this stigma doesn’t just impact individuals—it takes a toll on the entire professional cannabis market.

Medical Cannabis Users Also Bear the Brunt

Cannabis Stigma: How It Affects the Professional Market

How exactly does cannabis stigma affect the current market? First and foremost, it prevents it from even existing in many countries—apart from the highly successful black market. Countless nations are slamming the breaks on their own economic growth by keeping cannabis prohibited.

Meanwhile, the state of Colorado shows what happens when legislators break down these walls. Over the last six years, the state collected over $1.6 billion in marijuana taxes and fee revenues. Not only are nations such as the United Kingdom missing out on some serious cash, but they’re inhibiting the creation of thousands of businesses and the acceleration of critical research and development.

But businesses that operate within a legal framework also suffer the consequences of cannabis stigma. PayPal dominates commerce, and currently boasts 403 million active consumer accounts and 29 million merchants. However, PayPal has placed cannabis on its “restricted items list”, which means companies selling anything related to cannabis, including glassware and CBD products, are prohibited.

We’ve experienced our fair share of discrimination at Royal Queen Seeds. Our company gained tens of thousands of five-star reviews of Trustpilot until the consumer review website kicked us to the curb because of the cannabis-orientated nature of our business.

The Professionalisation of Cannabis Cultivation

You’d think cannabis would be on its last legs at this point. Quite the opposite. There are many innovative minds within the marijuana space; in many ways, prohibition forced growers and breeders to come up with ingenious solutions to draconian setbacks.

From Attics to Greenhouses

The professionalisation of cannabis cultivation continues to change the face of the herb. Many people associate cannabis operations with those shown on cop shows and in newspapers. These setups usually manifest as attics lined with tin foil and basements equipped with shoddy lights and extractor fans. People have become so used to this sight that it just screams criminality.

But legalization in some countries has allowed entrepreneurs and innovators to employ the latest horticultural techniques to benefit consumers and the industry as a whole. Large-scale greenhouses equipped with automated irrigation systems and atmospheric control eviscerate the “criminal appearance”, and instead present cannabis as a sensible cash crop worthy of scientific investigation and serious investment.

In truth, the growers and breeders that worked—and continue to work—hard during prohibition set the stage for this progress. They are responsible for many of the prized genetics available today, not to mention the methods of biological control and feeding at our disposal.

The Professionalisation of Cannabis Cultivation

The New Age of Cannabis Growing Technology

Now we’re witnessing the fruits of their labour. Vertical farming operations and massive hydroponic cannabis grows use these genetics and techniques to push the boundaries even further. Many leading cannabis companies hire professional botanists, skilled breeders, and cultivation experts to optimise production, and are even branching out into the futuristic domain of artificial intelligence to run complex weed growing systems.

Large-scale cannabis growers are also closely following the latest data acquired by cannabis researchers. As new findings regarding cannabinoids, terpenes, and other constituents become available, growers and breeders continue to develop cultivars that offer higher levels of novel compounds.

Although massive greenhouses and automated systems are impressive, another sector within the industry is carving out a local, organic, and sustainable niche. Hundreds of professional cannabis cultivators in the United States produce all of the inputs necessary to build healthy living soils with minimal impact on the environment.

But professional operations aren't the only ones benefiting from new technology; hobby cannabis growers are also able to produce a supply without utilising harmful chemicals or super-hot lighting systems. Instead, as cannabis grow tech and lighting have improved, individuals can now run an indoor grow using safe LED systems and organic nutrients to see their plants to a successful harvest!

All of these amazing efforts are slowly but surely replacing cannabis stigma with respect, reverence, and fascination. Even the most sceptical of opponents can’t help but turn their heads when they hear about the economic benefits and incredible investment opportunities.

The Potential of Hemp Farming

Who doesn’t respect farmers? Society looks favourably upon this profession. They’re the reason we have food to plate up every evening, after all. You’re probably used to seeing fields full of corn, wheat, and barley. But many farmers are making the switch to cultivating cannabis.

Tall and fibrous varieties low in THC (known as hemp) are an attractive option to farm owners. The seeds are a nutritious food source, the fibres are a superb material for making rope, paper, and other materials, and the CBD-rich flowers are a valuable item to boot. The 2018 Farm Bill[2] in the United States allowed for broad-scale hemp cultivation, and put no restrictions on the sale, transport, or possession of hemp-derived products.

Many countries within Europe also make large profits from hemp farming. But hemp doesn’t only excite those with an economic mindset. The plant also slots nicely into the efforts to heal our planet, and serves as a bastion of hope to those with a soft spot for sustainability. Hemp produces more durable products than those derived from cotton, requires fewer chemicals to grow, and helps to remove pollutants from the soil through bioremediation.

Is Professionalisation in the Cannabis Space Shifting the Paradigm?

Sure, cannabis has had a rough century. But things are changing for the better. Impressive growing operations, scrutinous research and development, and economic transformation are changing the face of the herb, and how individuals and governments view cannabis as a whole. We’ve made it a long way, and the next decade should hopefully squash the last of the stigma still weighing on the herb.

And thanks to the developments made by mavericks within the cannabis industry, hobbyists can now produce homegrown cannabis far exceeding that which was achievable decades ago. As we see the professional industry develop, the quality and efficiency of home setups will only improve in kind. Lucky us!

External Resources:
  1. Pain or a paycheck: how medical marijuana can impact employment in Pennsylvania https://www.abc27.com
  2. The Farm Bill, hemp legalization and the status of CBD: An explainer https://www.brookings.edu
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: