Medical cannabis hasn’t always had a smooth go in the United States. Thankfully, as time has slowly started to change and viewpoints have shifted, cannabis legalization is finally gaining traction state-wide. While this is an incredible feat for so many different reasons, many states see long-term benefits of cannabis legalization much further reaching than anyone could have imagined.
Today, we’re talking about how cannabis legalization in Minnesota may actually help further equality and break down barriers that have long been deeply rooted. Let’s get started.
FIRST GLANCE:
Cannabis has a rocky history in the United States, with most negative stigma being racially charged.
This ideology lasted for decades until some states started decriminalizing and legalizing medical cannabis in the 80s and 90s.
Now, as cannabis legalization spreads, the divide between white Americans and POC in the industry is more prominent than ever.
Legalization can help further equality in states like Minnesota, but it requires holistic change from within communities.
With legalization may come fewer victimless crimes, resulting in lessened police presence, effectively leaving targeted communities feeling safer and more comfortable.
By supporting local Black or minority-owned dispensaries and working with local organizations, cannabis equality may progress in the ways that community members need — but the change will start with you!
Cannabis’s Rocky History
Quickly, it’s essential to understand the tumultuous history behind marijuana and just how far we’ve come as a society. However, seeing this rocky past also helps illuminate how much further we still have to go.
The cannabis plant has existed for millennia on planet Earth. Its therapeutic benefits have supported civilizations in spiritual, religious, and medicinal ceremonies across the globe. As this idea spread to Western societies, the plant was, at first, welcomed with open arms. At the start of the 20th century, all of this changed entirely in the United States.
During the Mexican Revolution from 1910-1920, many Mexican citizens fled their war-torn home country in search of a safer, more promising future. With this, the U.S. saw an influx of Mexican immigrants.
Throughout Mexico, enjoying cannabis for its recreational effects wasn’t a new idea. So, when citizens began migrating North, they also brought more normalized recreational cannabis use. At first, for those in the U.S. who already adored cannabis, this was incredibly exciting. But, for many in positions of power, class, and wealth, this type of cannabis use wasn’t going to fly. Thus came the Reefer Madness film and decades-long racially charged cannabis persecutions.
The Impact of Legalization and Equality
It took way too long, but the United States finally started getting on board with cannabis decriminalization and legalization back in the 80s and 90s. With this, the exposure to cannabis science became more extensive, and it was easier to see that the plant did (and still does) have some serious medicinal benefit. Seeing these facts caused a lot of opinions to change, resulting in an almost domino-like effect of cannabis legalization across the country.
Now, 36 states have legalized medical cannabis, allowing more people than ever access to the precious plant they love. But has this legalization impacted the people most disproportionately punished? Not really.
Still today, we see Black men arrested for cannabis crimes at disproportionately high rates, even though cannabis is legal in most states across the U.S. If anything, these legal changes have made the divide all the more evident, allowing the country to see just how horrific the cannabis industry can be for people of color. At the same time, it simultaneously celebrates white American consumers. This may help boost PR for big business, but it doesn’t help local (black-owned or otherwise) businesses on the ground. Legally or economically.
So, what can we do to change this? How can cannabis legalization help to further the progress we’ve made?
Legalization in Minnesota: How To Further Equality
I know, it sounds like we’re a bit cynical, but it’s crucial to bring up these divides before discussing how we can move further. The country often loves to praise all the beauty that the cannabis industry brings, forgetting the intense harm it has caused so many communities.
Let’s talk about Minnesota, for example. In May, it looks as though the state is going to vote to pass adult-use cannabis use. If this happens, here’s what could potentially occur in terms of furthering equality — but, at the end of the day, this change is up to you.
Realistically, the legalization of cannabis should help reduce the number of victimless crimes in the area, helping the community feel more at ease. With this, you would also expect a lowered number of consistent police presence in areas where cannabis use was a previous “problem.” Often, when communities of color experience increased and frequent police presence, this does not provide a sense of safety. Typically, it provides the opposite. Thus, legalizing cannabis in places like Minnesota may be able to create an environment that not only feels safer but feels more accepting of all residents. Feeling safe is great for business, big and small – but especially small. Reduction of victimless crimes and less police presence could really boost the state economy, and additionally enhance everyone’s sense of community and unity.
Furthering equality through the legalization of cannabis can be done, but the work goes much deeper than just on a legal level. As we’ve seen, just because the law says one thing, that doesn’t mean it applies to all groups of people. So, once legalization happens in Minnesota — or your state — the next steps are in your hands.
What’s Still Left To Do
Take the time to research Black and minority-owned dispensaries in your area and support these shops.
See if you have any local cannabis equality organizations that specialize in helping those who have been wrongly affected.
Educate others on the history of cannabis and why the subject can still be painful for POC.
With this, you’ll also understand how legalization is not an end-all-be-all solution. If we want to erase cannabis’s racially charged stigma, the answer is holistic: it starts with a community.
Mell Green is a content creator who believes that cannabis can help anyone achieve a life-enhancing experience. Her participation in the advocacy of the plant for the last several years has not only allowed her to create solid relationships with the world’s leading cannabis companies, but it has also helped her to educate and spread awareness on the power of alternative medicine.
CBD Oracle is a California-based online magazine dedicated to cannabis and CBD education. The company has made it its mission to provide specialized, expert advice to those who need it, publishing detailed, informative, and entertaining articles, guides, and reviews, all backed by the latest scientific studies and research.
Member Spotlight: EstroHaze
This month, we reached out to Sirita Wright, a co-founder of the multimedia company EstroHaze. Sirita, along with her co-founders Kali Wilder, and Safon Floyd, focus their company’s mission on highlighting the businesses and lifestyles of multicultural women in the cannabis industry.
Cannabis Industry Sector:
Media/Entertainment
NCIA Member Since:
January 2018
Tell us about your background and why you launched your company?
Storytelling is the heart of what we do. We found a void in mainstream media’s coverage of minorities building brands within the industry and we decided to start EstroHaze for the purposes of uplifiting those voices. Having worked together for years at another media company, we saw a great opportunity to build a bridge for others looking for opportunities in the cannabis industry.
What unique value does your company offer to the cannabis industry?
Photo by Rich February
Our value lies in our ability to represent and truly connect with our community via ‘edutainment’. From our original video series EstroHaze Escapades, where we explore the inner workings of the legal cannabis industry in states like Colorado and take in cannabis experiences like ganja yoga; to our podcast where we talk startup life and brand-building, as well as interviews with cannabis thoughtleaders and influencers. If that isn’t enough, head to our website where we feature dynamic profiles, blueprints for building your own cannabusiness, cannabis recipes, information on lobbying and more! Bottom line, EstroHaze provides a connection to cannabis and culture that resonates with the people.
Cannabis companies have a unique responsibility to shape this growing industry to be socially responsible and advocate for it to be treated fairly. How does your company help work toward that goal for the greater good of the cannabis industry?
This is the reason why we started EstroHaze – to be a space that amplifies voices that are shaping this industry, voices that, far too often, have been ignored. With ever-expanding cultural influence and increasing buying power it’s reckless to ignore one of the fastest-growing, most educated, and entrepreneurial demographics in the world. In telling stories – the good, bad and ugly of the cannabis industry – we ensure that people are aware of bias and held accountable. The cannabis industry is bigger than any of us and has the power to save lives and improve well-being. Recognizing this, EstroHaze serves a higher purpose and we create content and partner with brands that are intentional about that higher purpose.
What kind of challenges do you face in the industry and what solutions would you like to see?
The challenges we face are typical of any startup, to be honest. Add being women and a woman of color led brand and those issues just compound! Access to capital, government support as a small business, social stigma towards the use of cannabis, etc. We are a startup like any other with opportunity to grow to unlimited heights and that takes capital. The solution is simple–-show us the money and access to opportunities to produce content on a larger scale. For instance, Netflix, VICE, and HBO are just a few networks that have cannabis themed content that is not led or hosted by women of color, specifically black women. Enough already! EstroHaze as content creators can help with that.
Why did you join NCIA? What’s the best part about being a member?
Our NCIA membership was actually gifted to us by a member who was impressed with us and our Demo Day pitch at Canopy Boulder. This membership has given us an opportunity to build more bridges with other like-minded brands, get industry data that is not available to the public, which is priceless, and access to informative conferences and trade-shows.
Partner Spotlight: Minority Cannabis Business Association
NCIA recently launched a partnership with the Minority Cannabis Business Association in order to address the gap in racial and ethnic diversity within the cannabis industry. We caught up with MCBA founder Jesce Horton from Oregon to talk about MCBA’s mission, which exists “to create equal access and economic empowerment for cannabis businesses, their patients, and the communities most affected by the war on drugs.”
Cannabis Industry Sector:
Non-Profit Association
Jesce, tell us a bit about your background and why you launched MCBA?
After I received my degree in industrial engineering, I started working for a large corporate firm right out of college. There, I began my work of reducing energy usage and environmental footprint at industrial facilities in the Americas. Shortly after moving to Portland from Munich, Germany, I started growing medical cannabis for two elderly patients that were suffering from cancer and from that, Panacea Valley Gardens was born. I got really involved in the industry and started attending conferences and networking events. I started realizing that not many people in the industry looked like me and the issues plaguing the communities of people of color didn’t seem to be on anyone’s radar.
I collaborated with some other industry professionals and we formed the Minority Cannabis Business Association. We soon realized that the issues wasn’t just about morality or doing the right thing, but more about the health and sustainability of the entire industry.
What unique value does MCBA offer to the cannabis industry?
MCBA firmly believes that not including communities of color in the industry or ensuring that these communities benefit from its prosperity is a major mistake!
Cannabis businesses across the country are missing out on a huge segment of consumers. By being so slow to utilize this opportunity to provide economic opportunity, social justice, and patient awareness in communities that have been targeted by cannabis prohibition, the people who live there are becoming bitter towards the burgeoning industry. Just like in any market, diversity is a major benefit. This is true even more so in the cannabis industry where preferences and perspectives on our primary product can be very culturally specific.
On the flip side, minority communities can benefit greatly from the cannabis industry, in multiple ways. Health issues that affect minorities disproportionately (Minority Health Disparity Gap: Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, mental health, etc.) can be greatly relieved and even reversed through informed and measured use of safe and tested cannabis products. Also, many would find that their cannabis expenses can be reduced through information and access to the right cannabinoid profiles, application methods, and dosages. Not to mention there is a huge pool of jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities that can be available given the right policies and regulations. These things simply aren’t available at nearly the same capacity in the traditional, illegal market.
MCBA is uniquely positioned to serve as a bridge between the industry and communities that have been targeted by cannabis prohibition and the war on drugs. Our board of directors is made of up cannabis business owners, activists and legislators from across multiple cannabis markets in the country. Our programs are directly focused on
Policy improvements that lower barriers to entry and uplift targets communities
Educational experiences that increase access to information for people of color
Connection with successful businesses and people who understand that this is an important issue for the sustainability of our industry
Cannabis companies have a unique responsibility to shape this growing industry to be responsible and treated equally as any other industry. How does MCBA help work toward that goal for the greater good of the cannabis industry?
At MCBA, our belief is that this industry is stronger and more sustainable when the barriers of entry are low and support small business development, not special interests. This should be the goal of any industry, especially new industries that thrive with innovation, problem solving, and community support. The policies for which we advocate and programs we execute represent equal access, responsibility, and fair taxation, not reparations or special privilege. It’s important that we work to reconcile the harms done by cannabis prohibition, but these efforts won’t be effective without a strong, dynamic, and thriving industry. They go hand-in-hand.
What kind of challenges do you face in the industry and what solutions would you like to see?
The challenges that affect communities of color from benefiting from the cannabis industry are mainly fair policies, lack of education about the industry, and limited networks to assist with raising capital and business development. We would like to see the industry stand as one to push for lower barriers to entry, tax allocation for communities targeted by the war on drugs, and community outreach regarding health education and employment opportunities.
Tell us about the partnership between MCBA and NCIA?
The partnership between MCBA and NCIA will assist us in working closer and more effectively on programs that complement each organization’s mission. Both organizations strongly believe that diversity and inclusion are principles that will guide our industry to sustainable and responsible growth. We are very excited to work closely with NCIA to ensure that this becomes a reality.
Mell Green is a content creator who believes that cannabis can help anyone achieve a life-enhancing experience. Her participation in the advocacy of the plant for the last several years has not only allowed her to create solid relationships with the world’s leading cannabis companies, but it has also helped her to educate and spread awareness on the power of alternative medicine.
