Cannabis products maker oHHo is seeing (RED).
The New York-based startup, which makes hemp-derived THC seltzers and other various cannabinoid-infused tinctures and edibles, has partnered with international healthcare non-profit (RED) which is focused on fighting AIDS, malaria and other diseases worldwide.
It’s a big first for the charity to link with a cannabis brand, but oHHo founders James and Nicola Stephenson told us that their focus on wellness and the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids won the approval of (RED)’s leadership. The collaboration launched online this morning with a new roster of co-branded products, dubbed “(oHHo) RED,” including a delta-9 THC seltzer, chocolate bars and gummies. Twenty percent of all sales will go toward’s (RED)’s medical support mission.
While cannabis collaborations mark a new frontier for an established charity like (RED) – the group was founded in 2006 by politician Bobby Shriver and Bono (you know who he is!) – social advocacy on the cannabis side has been a significant pillar of the industry for some time. Efforts have spanned long-ingrained initiatives like reform for anti-drug laws and the release of prisoners sentenced for non-violent drug offenses to more recent efforts to promote political engagement.
Giving back is also a key piece of the mainstreaming of cannabis and the growing effort of the industry to normalize and integrate the drug – which, reminder, is still federally illegal – into everyday life. Here’s just a few other recent examples.
- In October, a number of cannabis brands including Curaleaf, Betty’s Eddies and Blazy Susan released Breast Cancer Awareness products with proceeds going to charity.
- That same month, New Mexico-based PurLife Dispensary announced a “Light Up the Vote” campaign tied to the presidential election, playing to both sides of the aisle with limited edition flower strains Donald OG and Kamala Kush. The dispensary said it sought to “spark enthusiasm for voting” and “remind us that every voice matters.”
- And just last week, Beard Bros Pharms – a self-described cannabis brand, “advocacy and consulting firm, and grassroots media magnate” called out President Joe Biden for participating in the White House’s annual Thanksgiving turkey pardon event while failing to respond to more than 16,000 clemency requests from incarcerated prisoners.