This Black History Month, the Marijuana Policy Project proudly recognizes the countless achievements and immeasurable perseverance of Black Americans. As we strive to learn from the history of Black Americans, we must also seek to advance policies that address systemic racism and reform our criminal justice system.
Cannabis legalization presents a unique opportunity to rectify the injustices of the war on cannabis. However, this opportunity will be lost if we fail to address the persistent racial disparities and ensure that the benefits of legalization are shared across all communities.
To truly achieve reparative justice in the context of cannabis legalization, we must acknowledge the historical and ongoing harms of prohibition and center the voices of Black Americans who can speak directly to their lived experiences.
By embracing an empowered and inclusive legal cannabis reality, we can ensure that the most fair and effective cannabis policies are implemented. This includes investing cannabis tax revenue into historically marginalized communities, and creating opportunities for individuals disproportionately impacted by prohibition through access to licenses for cannabis businesses, job training, and expungement of past cannabis convictions.
As MPP marks our 30th Anniversary in the fight for cannabis freedom and justice, we remain dedicated to ending the racist policies of prohibition, and to pushing forward with cannabis decriminalization and equitable legalization nationwide.
We encourage everyone to honor the legacy of Black History Month by supporting Black-owned cannabis businesses, and by helping to continue the press for the full federal legalization of cannabis.
