Once upon a time there was a general consensus in the areas where weed was sold openly: Snitches get stitches. And while this is a highly controversial statement when it comes to violent acts, it is almost a commonly accepted unspoken rule when it comes to drugs. You see, everyone loves the weed man. Everyone shows loyalty and respect to the one keeping the neighborhood high. It’s common knowledge, but the legalization of cannabis has a lot of you forgetting some basic courtesy rules. It seems like lately people are exchanging integrity and respect for clout and popularity and that just doesn’t sit right with me. Especially when those affected are truly Pioneers in this industry.

Snitches Get Stitches, and Why It’s Important

There is really no reason, excuse, or explanation for telling on someone in the cannabis industry. The Legacy Market is already plagued by the laws that prevent them from succeeding while allowing millionaires to make millions. It already has a mountain of obstacles and people wishing for their demise, so having people who are supposed to be in your community who are straight up snitches is not a good look. Being a hater, allowing your personal opinion of someone to push you into being a snitch shows a complete disregard for this industry and a complete disrespect for the very fucking plant you claim to love. Marijuana wasn’t always legal, and just a few years ago you would be torn apart to shreds for tipping the cops off about the weed man.

Respect Those Who Came Before You

The most severe case of disrespect that should not be tolerated is the disrespect that occurs to the OG’s. Those who have been in the Legacy Market and those who actually suffered from the bullshit drug war. In light of recent news over the weekend, where one of Chicago’s most popular and beloved smoke shops was busted through by CPD and the building department for throwing what most would consider to be a respectable sesh, I had to speak out. Without pointing blame or creating a controversy, I find it very hard to believe that this would happen without the very much malicious intent of another person. It’s absolutely disappointing and disheartening. As a community, we have to do better.

Respecting the Legacy Market

The legacy Market has always functioned behind the scenes and behind the giant curtain of anonymity. Anyone who has been in this industry for 10+ years is not appeased by legalization, and still operates with a sense of privacy and security. I’ve noticed a new wave of people, people who are excited to dive right into this new industry, but people who are unaware of how to do it with respect and with confidentiality. More and more I’m seeing recklessness in promoting, recklessness in coordinating. More and more people are baring all on Instagram. It’s alarming and leads me to my next point.

Confidentiality is Key in this Industry

It is one thing to throw an event with 420 being allowed, and there’s another hosting events with 20+ vendors just putting everyone in danger. Vendors, work smart, stop putting you and your products at risk. There are so many new people, and there will continue to be new people, but there are a few beliefs that I believe we have strayed too far from.

If you’re hosting or promoting weed related events, it should not be so easy for a random person to buy a ticket and obtain an address. It should not be so easy. There should be at least 3 obstacles that you have to put in front of people. Are you afraid that these obstacles are going to prevent people from going to your events? Then maybe focus more on the quality of your events instead of the quantity of tickets you can sell. Social media should not be the place to promote vendors from the illicit market, and you vendors are doing yourself a great disservice by allowing these practices.

Stay Safe at These Events Y’all!

CPD and Chicago’s building department is only going to crack more and more down on illicit venues and 420 events. It’s a quick and easy way for the city to make THOUSANDS, and a lot of you vendors and event coordinators are literally sitting ducks. I expect to see a summer filled with stories like these, of events being busted, products being lost, and of people facing huge fines for their carelessness. Make sure you are on the right side of the Legacy Market, instead of being someone who endangers it. Do your research on these events and these coordinators. Especially when you have so much product with you. Security guards won’t protect your product from being confiscated by the police.

This post is dedicated to Smoking Buddha Chicago for whom donations are being collected. Smoking Buddha is a huge force in the community, and I ask that my readers donate any amount by following me on Instagram where I will post details about donations.