Injustice in the cannabis industry to Black people

There is a significant body of research that supports the idea that Black people are disproportionately affected by cannabis-related arrests and incarceration. A number of studies have shown that, despite similar rates of cannabis use among Black and white people, Black people are significantly more likely to be arrested and incarcerated for cannabis offenses.

For example, a 2019 American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) report found that Black people were nearly four times more likely to be arrested for cannabis possession than white people, despite similar rates of use. Similarly, a 2020 report from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) found that Black people were 3.64 times more likely to be arrested for cannabis offenses than white people, despite similar usage rates.

Additionally, there have been a number of studies and reports documenting the challenges that Black entrepreneurs face in the cannabis industry. For example, a 2018 report from the Minority Cannabis Business Association found that only 4% of cannabis business owners were Black, despite Black people being disproportionately affected by the war on drugs.

Another research from the National Cannabis Industry Association and New Frontier Data found that only 1% of cannabis business owners were Black and that only 2% of workers were Black.

These studies demonstrate the challenges that Black people face in accessing and participating in the legal cannabis market. It's not only about access to funding, but also about access to education, support and opportunities.