Aruna
From Suspension to Resilience: Applying Bruce Lee’s ‘Be Like Water’ Philosophy to Cannabis Censorship
In the dynamic world of social media, small, equity-licensed cannabis cultivators often face significant challenges. While other small businesses leverage platforms like Instagram for free advertising and organic reach, cannabis enterprises encounter stringent restrictions, account suspensions, and limited visibility. This disparity not only hampers growth but also underscores a broader issue of inequity in digital marketing.
Instagram’s policies have led to the suspension of numerous cannabis-related accounts, even those adhering to community guidelines. For instance, in November 2024, the pro-cannabis veterans group “Service Disabled Veterans in Cannabis” experienced an unexpected suspension without prior notice or explanation. Despite their compliance with Instagram’s terms, their account was disabled, highlighting the platform’s inconsistent enforcement and the precarious position of cannabis advocates in the digital space.
In contrast, mainstream companies can utilize features like the “Explore” page to reach wider audiences, benefiting from algorithms designed to promote engaging content. Cannabis businesses, however, are often excluded from these opportunities, limiting their ability to connect with potential customers who are genuinely interested in their products.
To navigate these challenges, we can draw inspiration from Bruce Lee’s philosophy: “Be like water making its way through cracks. Do not be assertive, but adjust to the object, and you shall find a way around or through it.” This mindset encourages adaptability and resilience, urging us to find alternative paths when faced with obstacles.
Several platforms have emerged as more accommodating spaces for cannabis businesses:
- LinkedIn: Known for its professional networking environment, LinkedIn is notably cannabis-friendly, allowing businesses to share content without the fear of censorship.
- X: In a groundbreaking move, X announced in February 2023 that it would permit legal cannabis companies in the U.S. to promote their products through paid advertising, making it the first major social media platform to do so.
- Bluesky: An emerging decentralized social media platform, Bluesky offers a more open environment for content sharing. While its community guidelines prohibit illegal activities, they emphasize user empowerment and adaptability, potentially providing a more accommodating space for legal cannabis businesses.
By embracing these alternative platforms and adopting a fluid, adaptable approach, small cannabis cultivators can continue to build their brands, connect with their audience, and advocate for a more equitable digital marketing environment. While the challenges are significant, resilience and adaptability will guide us through the ever-changing currents of the social media landscape.
For a deeper understanding of Bruce Lee’s “Be Like Water” philosophy, you might find this video insightful:
Bruce Lee Be As Water My Friend
Sources:
- Pro-marijuana veterans group claims it was suddenly suspended from Instagram with ‘no explanation’ in act of censorship
- New York Post, November 24, 2024.
- Available at: https://nypost.com/2024/11/24/us-news/pro-marijuana-veterans-group-claims-it-was-suspended-from-instagram-in-act-of-censorship/
- Quote by Bruce Lee: “Be like water making its way through cracks…”
- Goodreads.
- Available at: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/29138-be-like-water-making-its-way-through-cracks-do-not
- LinkedIn: A Cannabis-Friendly Platform
- Flowhub.
- Available at: https://flowhub.com/learn/cannabis-marketing-guide
- Twitter Just Became The First Cannabis-Friendly Large Social Media Platform In The United States
- Forbes, February 16, 2023.
- Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/emilyearlenbaugh/2023/02/16/twitter-just-became-the-first-cannabis-friendly-social-media-platform-in-the-united-states/
- Bluesky: An Open Social Web
- Bluesky.
- Available at: https://bsky.social/about/blog/02-22-2024-open-social-web