Breaking the Stigma: Racism, the Opioid Endemic, Lies, and Inviting Grandma to the Dispensary

Picture a world where there is no pain, hatred, or struggle—this is hard to imagine because it will never happen on Earth. I don’t mean to be a downer, but I say this to get you thinking of areas of life that are difficult and could benefit from a positive change. Charlena Berry, current cannabis retailer and former Fortune 500 business executive, believes this positive change could be more achievable than the public is led to believe. In one word, the answer is: cannabis.

Cannabis has a bad connotation as it has been on the federal radar for decades as an illegal substance that is ranked along with well-known ones such as heroin and methamphetamines. Berry believes that Breaking the Stigma that has been ingrained in Americans’ minds since the 1930s will be difficult, but it is what’s needed to become open-minded to the benefits of cannabis and to debunk several myths that have been taken as gospel truth about topics related to cannabis, such as racism and opioids.

The book comprises ten chapters. The majority teach proper and profitable business strategies for newbies as well as experienced salespeople. The beginning chapters inform the reader of the history of the stigma related to cannabis and four “big” lies that both the American government and pharmaceutical companies have been feeding the public for decades. Each reference to facts presented is included at the bottom of each page. In addition, a “recommended reading” page is included at the end of the book. It is both surprising and not that I am reading many of the facts for the first time. Notice how the information resonates with you as the reader, as it could make you second guess “facts” you are told on a daily basis.

It would make sense if this book is only about cannabis, but there is also information presented about racism and the opioid endemic, tying them all together with no loose ends. Berry writes from personal experience with family and friends who have suffered from the opioid endemic and ultimately lost their fight, and wonders more profusely why cannabis, a substance that is not highly addictive, is being shunned while opioids are being prescribed and pushed left and right.

In the business part of the book, she discusses topics such as leadership, branding, service, merchandising, and marketing to ensure a successful business for both yourself and your customers, which is presented in clear and everyday language. Berry gains knowledge from the CEO of the company Tively through a question and answer format to assist the reader. With Berry’s extensive knowledge in the field of running successful companies, her personal experience in the topics referenced, and her evident drive, you can’t go wrong with Breaking the Stigma.