Calls for social justice have moved to the forefront of America's consciousness over the past two weeks as the country witnessed, once again, the murder of an unarmed African American at the hands of police. Protests have engulfed the land (and the world) with tens of thousands calling for the end to systemic racism and social injustice.
Somewhere in these discussions will be demands to end the war on drugs or at least the criminalization of marijuana. After all, African Americans are arrested for violating marijuana possession laws at nearly four times the rate of whites.
As the country grapples for solutions, there are some organizations fighting for social justice and equality in cannabis right now and The Bluntness is pleased to highlight a few.
1. Drug Policy Alliance
The Mission: Promoting drug policies grounded in science, compassion, health & human rightsDrug Policy Alliance “is the nation's leading organization promoting drug policies grounded in science, compassion, health & human rights.” In the "Drug Policy Alliance Statement on the Horrific Police Killing of George Floyd May 21" released by the organization on May 28, Kassandra Frederique, Managing Director of Policy, Advocacy and Campaigns for the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) said:
“The drug war did not create institutional racism or disregard for Black life in the US. However, it feeds and bolsters the racist structures that snuff out Black life daily. This tragic case is no different. Officer Thao invoking drug use as a warning to bystanders and later as pretext for Mr. Floyd's death is unconscionable, but the real cause of his death was his brutal mistreatment at the hands of police who repeatedly ignored not only his desperate pleas for mercy but also those of bystanders.”
Explore Drug Policy Alliance here.
2. Minority Cannabis Business Association
The Mission: To create equal access for cannabis businesses and promote economic empowerment for communities of colorMinority Cannabis Business Association “is the first 501(c)(6) not for profit business league created specifically to progress the cannabis industry by increasing diversity.”
The organization’s mission is to “create equal access for cannabis businesses and promote economic empowerment for communities of color by creating policy considerations, social programming, and outreach initiatives to achieve equity for the communities most affected by the war on drugs.”
The organization has condemned the “racist murders of black and brown people at the hands of policy,” in a Statement of Solidarity posted Monday on Instagram.
Donate here.
3. Minorities For Medical Marijuana
The Mission: To support equity, inclusion and diversity in cannabis Minorities for Medical Marijuana is focused on providing advocacy, outreach, research, and training as it relates to the business, social reform, public policy, and health/wellness in the cannabis industry.
Minorities for Medical Marijuana based in Florida, has 27 directors throughout the country.
The organization “is committed to cultivating a culturally inclusive environment where diversity of thought, experience and opportunities are valued, respected, appreciated and celebrated."
The organization has also started a petition, "Cannabis Industry Stands in Solidarity: Justice for George Floyd #blacklivesmattter."
Donate to the organization here. Sign the petition here.
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