In cannabis, everyone loves preaching “End the Stigma.”
But when do we take time to apply that to racial disparities related to our favorite federal troublemaker?
Legislation rode the coattails of social equity to initiate what we have today. And that means that while many were paying lip service to the suffering of communities of color, there weren’t actual plans in place to make it reality.
If you advocate for patient rights in any capacity, you ought to give a damn about keeping our industry inclusive.
Because it benefits all of us, especially in Maryland.
Maryland’s cannabis scene ought to be Blacker
Maryland’s overall population is one-third Black! And yet from the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission’s 2018 Disparity Report, the number of Black cannabis business owners barely represents that.
Consider that many dispensaries are founded and run by non-locals and outside franchises. Our own state residents don’t have access to starting local dispensaries that set Maryland apart!
Because when you sit and think about it, is there anything that makes our state’s medical program exceptional?
New York and New Jersey are taking preemptive steps to include social equity in their legalization plans. In Maryland, patients can make the push to instate changes that weren’t defined.
Our state places the burden of expungement on the shoulders of the convicted! They have to initiate and thus pay their way out of the system that tore their lives apart. While White entrepreneurs flourish by selling in more “acceptable” ways.
And though you don’t have to pay taxes on your leafy meds, the taxes deducted from your income is wasted on cannabis-related arrests, convictions and jail time.
The answer? Get involved – with help!
You and I know that the Maryland cannabis community knows how to turn up at events. So how do we take that energy and funnel it into getting our Black patients and cannabusiness entrepreneurs on common ground?
As we covered before, attending Lobby Day with organizations like NORML is a strong start. Since that has passed for Maryland, the next best is signing up for memberships and newsletters by notable organizations. Especially those who highlight racial justice and equality as apart of their mission.
Head on over to Drug Policy Alliance, Minorities for Medical Marijuana, Cannaclusive and even local organizations like Madame Green Grow. Spend time reading their content so you can start and continue conversations about inclusivity for our market.
Of course, when you pay Peake Releaf a visit, feel free to talk to us about your advocacy moves and make sure to sign up for our email newsletter and follow us on social media.
Patient advocacy is no gimmick for us.
If you keep up with us, you’ll know ASAP when we’re hosting workshops and pop-ups about making cannabis more inclusive.
Now it’s time to act
Doesn’t it feel good to be apart of a remarkable change? Don’t doubt the power of your voice and the action that you take to better the cannabis industry.
If you know more reasons we should all give a damn about when it comes to racial inclusivity, tell us!
Hit us up via email or share this blog post with your suggestions.
