A Culture of Compassion

My talk with cannabis pioneer Kevin Jodrey last week started with a simple question—what makes high-quality cannabis?—but quickly evolved into a conversation about the very soul of the industry.

Kevin directed cultivation for one of the first medical cannabis dispensaries in California in 2008. For him, it wasn't just about providing clean, effective medicine. He shared powerful stories of opening his doors to patients with stigmatized diseases like AIDS, giving them not just cannabis, but a place to feel human and valued. This culture of care, where the primary goal was to help people, stands in contrast to today's market-driven realities, which pressure cultivators to chase high THC percentages and aesthetics.

Ultimately, Kevin argues that the true power of cannabis lies not in its potency or look, but in its ability to heal and foster humility and connection. It’s a reminder that cultivating cannabis should be rooted in a profound sense of responsibility to the people and the community it serves.