This week, the semi-sentient sack of rotting half-masticated KFC and fearful hate, Donald Trump, pardoned and commuted the criminal charges of a bunch of trashy white men, including all-stars such as former Illinois Governor Rod R. Blagojevich, Michael “Junk Bond King” Milken, and former New York City police commissioner Bernard
Tag: Social Equity
Los Angeles Expunges 66,000 Cannabis Convictions
Few things are perfect, and that includes the manner in which legalized adult-use cannabis programs have been regulated. While it’s easy and fun to list all the ways regulatory agencies have, and continue, to screw things up, the good parts include increased access to clean, tested cannabis products, abundant tax
L.A’s Cannabis Licensing Process for Social Equity Applicants Called Out as Fiasco
A crucial component of any medical or recreational cannabis program should be the concept of “social equity.” Much like the terms “organic,” “natural,” and “social media influencer,” it can be overused and void of any real meaning, but in general, social equity in cannabis is the idea that support and preference
Women Executives In Cannabis Outpaces Other Industries
Cannabis Convictions In Washington State Are Being Expunged
If you were unlucky enough to be convicted for misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor cannabis offenses in Washington State prior to cannabis being legalized, well, that really sucks, and I'm sorry. The vile absurdity of how we treat those who partook of weed before it became a taxed and regulated commodity remains
Social Equity In Cannabis Remains Elusive
One of the best things about the legalization of cannabis has been the accompanying assurance that a portion of cannabis tax and licensing revenue would be allocated for equity programs. These programs are designed to address discrimination against people of color (POC)—from the racist policies that placed the heaviest burden of
3 Pounds Of Cannabis Results in Life Sentence
Legalized cannabis programs have generated tax revenue and created jobs, and have also moved cities and counties to implement expungement programs to remove previous cannabis-related arrests and convictions. But these programs only go so far, and there are still those who may not be eligible for expungement but deserve their freedom. Should
Cannabis Social Equity Grants Now Available
He Served A Record 39 Years For Cannabis
Cannabis legalization programs have had the remarkable benefit of motivating cities and counties to begin expunging the records of people who were arrested for possessing or consuming cannabis back in the day, sometimes before there were even medical cannabis programs. You might think that this overdue restorative justice would also include
No Citizenship For Immigrants Working In Cannabis
Last year, I wrote a piece that looked at the perils of working in the cannabis industry, or using cannabis, for undocumented individuals, and even had in translated into several languages in the hope that it would reach the largest intended audience. Last week, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Biggie Smalls Estate Entering The Cannabis Industry
I've written (okay, fine, bitched) about the number of celebrities entering the cannabis space, and while it may be well intentioned, it doesn't always sit well with consumers who want their weed brands to have a legitimate connection to the industry. A celebrity brand that gives back something to the community
DA in Dallas Easing Up On Cannabis
Getting busted for weed in Dallas is nothing to fuck with. I speak from experience, having family there that I visit while being very aware that my cannabis activities could easily result in seriously unpleasant dealings with Texas law enforcement. But a recent announcement from the Dallas County District Attorney may change
San Francisco Expunges Over 9,000 Cannabis Convictions
Despite its history of flower children and Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco has always had a rather vigorous and overly enthusiastic law enforcement system which perhaps didn't, um, work well with communities of color. Some unfun facts: In 2010-2011, Blacks made up six percent of the population of San Francisco; during that same
Check Out the National Cannabis Diversity Awareness Convention March 8th
I attend many cannabis conferences in many places, and have recounted, dear reader, my experiences. To save you having to search for these columns and posts, here is a quick summation: The attendees, speakers, and vendors are primarily male and white. On the other hand, the War on Drugs—and on cannabis in
Baltimore To Cease Charging For Cannabis Possession
Marilyn Mosby, state's attorney for Baltimore, made a major policy announcement this week concerning cannabis laws. The new policies will potentially impact thousands of lives, primarily those of people of color, and her plans are something all cities should be considering, regardless of state cannabis policy. As reported by the New