American Cannabis Companies Step Up to Aid Ukrainians Impacted by War
Two American cannabis companies have decided to contribute to relief efforts for Ukrainians affected by the Russian military operation that began on February 24. These businesses are aiming to help residents of Ukraine who have suffered as a result of the ongoing conflict.
Proceeds from Cannabis Sales to Fund Medical Supplies
The California-based cannabis dispensary MediThrive will donate 10% of its revenue to the charity organization Sunflower of Peace. Activists from this organization use the funds to:
- Purchase medicines and first aid kits,
- Deliver humanitarian aid to Ukraine,
- Provide essential supplies to doctors working in conflict zones.
MediThrive is managed by Misha Braiburg, a Ukrainian Jew who emigrated from Odessa to the United States in the 1970s. Motivated by his heritage, Braiburg initiated a fundraising campaign for Sunflower of Peace. According to Braiburg, the dispensary will donate several tens of thousands of dollars and help attract additional funding from private individuals.
In a press release, MediThrive representatives stated: “While many charitable organizations are focused on providing Ukraine with food and weapons, local medical professionals lack the medications needed to treat the sick and wounded.”
“Canna-Dollars” to Save Children
The Detroit-based cannabis retailer Luxury Loud, which owns a cannabis cultivation farm, has partnered with the food delivery service Srodek’s Quality Polish Food to launch the charity campaign Pot and Pierogies. As part of this project, Luxury Loud will donate all proceeds from cannabis sales to the international organization UNICEF. Srodek’s Quality Polish Food couriers are offering customers the option to purchase pierogies and sausage with their orders, pledging to donate all proceeds from these sales to UNICEF as well.
UNICEF works with both public and private organizations to ensure children’s rights are protected. The organization also assists families in crisis and saves lives. Thus, the “canna-dollars” donated to UNICEF will be used to protect the lives and health of the younger generation.
Luxury Loud is run by brothers Marko and Kristian Malinowski, who are of Ukrainian descent. Deeply affected by the start of the military operation, they decided to support their compatriots in any way they could. Marko and Kristian named the campaign “Pot and Pierogies” for two reasons: first, pierogies pair well with cannabis, and second, the phrase “Pot and Pierogies” grabs the attention of Americans.