From Bob Dylan lyrics to stories about a group of teenagers in 1970s San Rafael, the origins of 4/20 are a little unclear. But whatever the truth may be, cannabis culture tells a story of two communities
Yesterday was 4/20, a day associated with consuming marijuana in celebration.
From Bob Dylan lyrics to stories about a group of teenagers in 1970s San Rafael, the origins of 4/20 are a little unclear. But whatever the truth may be, cannabis culture tells a story of two communities: one who consumed liberally and without recourse, and another who were condemned and criminalized for using the same substance.
It’s a story of inequality and injustice we are still writing today.
While marijuana has been decriminalized at the state level here in California, the violent repercussions of the War on Drugs are still felt today — particularly in historically underserved and overpoliced areas.
Despite using cannabis at rates similar to their White counterparts, over 80% of people in federal prison for drug offenses are Black or Latino. Now, the very thing that took those folks away from their families is legal and profitable and they are locked out of the opportunities in the emerging cannabis industry.
The decades-long War on Drugs was a blatant abuse of the criminal justice system to systemically target and incarcerate people of color. But progress is being made.
Last month, the state announced $18M in grant funding for cannabis social equity programs to address these harms in 18 cities and counties, including San Diego — a necessary measure to help right decades of injustice.
The county’s Social Equity Program is establishing safe access, reducing unlicensed cannabis sales, and providing an equitable path to cannabis job and business opportunities.
Cannabis social equity programs are a powerful tool to repair the damage caused by the War on Drugs. But only if they focus on the individuals and families that were hurt the most.
That’s why I’m calling on leaders across California to join me in prioritizing the most affected communities in their cannabis social equity policies. Click here to join me:https://secure.ngpvan.com/zT3OgjWtG0iNMF2w8l0bPQ2
Thank you for standing with me.
In solidarity,
Monica Montgomery Steppe District Four Supervisor | San Diego Board of Supervisors
Born and raised in San Diego, Monica Montgomery Steppe is an HBCU graduate, and an attorney by trade. Monica believes in her heart that the neighborhoods and community members are vibrant and worthy of care and investment. To learn more about Monica and the work she's doing for District Four, click here.
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