As more and more states introduce legalization measures and update protocols for current legal markets, the disproportionate effect of illegal cannabis has on people of color (POC) has been really brought to light. In addition to the significantly more intense sentencing for POC who have faced a non-violent cannabis crime, they also are at a higher risk for arrest. In some states, POC are up to six, eight, or almost ten times more likely to be arrested for simple cannabis possession. Of course, cannabis prohibition isn’t the only example of America’s racial inequities.
Nor is illegal cannabis the sole reason why certain members of the police continue to engage in racially-aggressive policing and misconduct. But its criminalization IS one of the tools commonly used to justify and perpetuate these injustices. New Jersey Senator Cory Booker also recently said racial disparities in cannabis criminalization is an example of systemic injustices that underlies the frustration of minority communities.
Reefer Madness creator, Harry J. Anslinger, who also was the Commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, declared: “Most [cannabis consumers in the US] are Negroes, Hispanics, Filipinos, and entertainers. …Reefer makes darkies think they’re as good as white men.” These racial biases were later exploited by the Nixon administration when it ramped up the drug war in 1970 and declared cannabis to be “public enemy #1. A 2020 analysis shows that on average, a POC is 3.73 times more likely to be arrested for cannabis possession than a white person. Such racial disparities in cannabis possession arrests exist in all regions of the country.
For more than 70 million people with criminal records today, a disproportionate number of whom are African American or Latino, they remain beleaguered by carrying a criminal record. They are not only banned from participation in the cannabis and even the hemp industry in many places but also encounter barriers accessing jobs, housing, and educational opportunities not industry related.
Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the National Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, wrote in an opinion contribution to USA Today; “All further expansion of the cannabis industry must cease until we can correct the gross racial inequities and injustices that have come to define it, especially while people remain incarcerated for cannabis offenses that are no longer illegal and are forced to suffer needlessly and lose opportunities unjustly. Those impacted should be given first-in-line access to licensing and job opportunities in this booming industry. It is essential that these actions are taken now to bring overdue relief to those whose lives were destroyed by the heavy hand of the criminal justice system.”
Her statements speak volumes on the topic. Any legalization efforts seeking to right racial disparities and create a truly equal opportunity cannabis industry needs to include these topics in any reform legislation. The relationship between just legalization or decriminalization and racial disparities tends to be mixed. Clearly, legalization and decriminalization alone are not enough to reverse the disproportionate harm the War on Drugs has caused to POC but it is a move in the right direction – forward.
Looking to find your medical cannabis in a state that hasn’t yet legalized it? It may be tempting to drive across neighboring state lines with more cannabis-friendly laws. However, the number of states that will authorize qualified patients from out-of-state medical marijuana programs is still relatively small. Which States Accept Out-of-State MMJ Cards? States That…
So you love smoking cannabis, but you’re tired of the same ole rolling papers. Perhaps you recently learned about the potential dangers and risks associated with tobacco blunt wraps and want a healthier option. Let’s explore some rolling paper alternatives that work well for blunts, joints, and spliffs. Types of Rolling Paper to Absolutely Avoid…
Bipolar disorder is a complex condition that impacts millions worldwide, leading to extreme mood swings, intense emotional episodes, and difficulty managing day-to-day life. But there may be some good news for those coping with this mental health issue. According to recent research, cannabis could offer unique benefits as part of an approach to managing bipolar…
As cannabis enthusiasts, we’re all too familiar with the stigma surrounding its use and the hoops that have to be jumped through to get it into medical research trials. But recent news of the DEA’s approval of a cocaine derivative for Parkinson’s disease research has left us scratching our heads. In light of this, one…
Despite the fact that the legal cannabis industry is growing, many people are still purchasing from the illicit market. A recent study investigated this matter and found that buying cannabis from the illicit market may be “better” than legal weed. The obvious reasons for choosing the illicit market over the legal market include the likes…
We sat down with the team at TerraLeaf, a medical cannabis dispensary servicing West Virginia, to ask them the Veriheal 5—five questions…
Gone are the days when cannabis was just an occasional treat—today, it’s a powerful source of holistic healing. According to a 2021…
Gaize is mastering the art of cannabis impairment detection. The Missoula, Montana-based company is gearing up for the launch of its first…