John,
Happy 4/20! 🍃🍃🍃We understand you might be celebrating today, so we'll get straight to the point.
Although cannabis has been legalized in 21 states, it's all too common that Black people are
STILL more likely to be arrested for marijuana – regardless of whether possession is illegal, legal, or decriminalized in their state. How is that even possible?
Black people are almost 10 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana than white people. And get this: In Franklin County, Massachusetts, a Black person is
117 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than a white person is. 🤔
As a matter of fact, nationwide, marijuana arrests are still widespread, making up 43 percent of all drug arrests in the country — which is more than any other drug…once again, HUH? 🤔
President Biden took the right step last October when he issued a pardon for all prior federal offenses of simple possession of marijuana. But this is not nearly enough. That's why we're calling on him to prioritize the removal of marijuana being a Schedule I drug.
Marijuana being classified as a Schedule I drug has allowed for the exploitation of the laws around it – harming Black and brown folks at alarming rates. It's been this way for years. Plus, this scheduling limits necessary research and hinders the process toward legalization and potential medicinal usage.
So, John, this is a critical step in our fight for cannabis justice. Sign the petition and demand President Biden take another step towards equity by removing marijuana from the class of Schedule I drugs.
In love and solidarity,
Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation
