Why We Can’t Let Social Justice Get Lost in Cannabis Reform

We’ve seen the stats:

Black people are 4x more likely to get arrested for marijuana than white people  – despite equal usage.

The stats are even higher when all people of color are counted.  

88% of these arrests are for simple possession. 

 

These facts bear repeating so that social justice stays top of mind as overall cannabis reform spreads. We can’t let social justice get lost.

 

We heard such great insights and actionable inspiration from our panelists who are on the front lines of cannabis-related social justice efforts:

Top Takeaways:

1. Show up / Speak up
2. Build coalitions: Find others who are already involved/doing things – join/support those efforts
3. Watch this video: “Marijuana Laws in America: Racial Justice and the Need for Reform”
4. Reach out to your legislators about social justice and the MORE Act.  Use this handy resource from SSDP
5. Register to Vote and VOTE
6. Promote and support National Expungement Week: September 21 – 25
   

   Panelists:

   Felicia Carbajal: Director of the Social Impact Center

   Omar Figueroa: Principal attorney at the Law Offices of Omar Figueroa 

   La Wanda Knox:  Co-Founder of Make Green Go

   Moderator: Lisa Jordan, VP of Marketing, Canna Advisors and Chair of Social Justice Subcommittee of NCIA’s Marketing & Advertising Committee