Free Pot Has Stoners Giving Back

Most medical marijuana dispensaries struggle with an image problem.

However, Granny Purps is trying to redeem itself. Again this year, it’s feeding the less-fortunate by offering a trade — one free joint for every six cans of donated food.

“It helps feed tons of people,” says Nancy Black, sales manager at Granny Purps. Since the joints usually cost $10 each, which must be paid for out-of-pocket, the program also “helps people who sometimes can’t get their medication on their own.”

Some groups won’t accept the food donation because it comes from a marijuana dispensary.  12,000 pounds of food was rejected by a local food bank last year, and although Granny Purps was hurt and upset, it had little trouble finding an alternative recipient.

“The issue can be a hot potato,” admits Linda Lovelace (no relation to the legendary porn star), operations director for Valley Churches United Missions. Though, she adds that when there’s a real need to feed the hungry, any possible stigma attached to the source of donations becomes less important.

“The demand is so high that the food is coming in one door and going out the other as fast as it’s coming in,” she says. “We’re just feeding people.”

[ABC News]