As Pennsylvania inches closer to legalizing recreational cannabis, Philadelphia entrepreneurs and advocates are mobilizing to ensure social equity in this burgeoning industry. Black Cannabis Week, launched in 2018, is at the forefront of this movement, aiming to educate Black and Latino communities about the benefits and opportunities within the cannabis sector. Initially focusing on medical marijuana, the event has expanded its scope to address the potential of adult-use cannabis legalization in Pennsylvania, advocating for equitable legislation and social justice reforms.
“We are demanding social justice, demanding equitable legislation, which is something we did not have for our medical marijuana program,” stated Cherron Perry-Thomas, co-founder of Black Cannabis Week, as reported by the local NPR station WHYY. The event aspires to empower local entrepreneurs, especially those from communities disproportionately impacted by past marijuana laws, preparing them for the potential opportunities in a legalized adult-use market.
Empowering Communities Through Education and Advocacy
The week-long event boasts a diverse array of activities, including policy discussions, job fairs, a film festival, and even a fashion show, all with a focus on making the cannabis industry more inclusive. Kristal Bush, a lead organizer, emphasized that the format is more interactive than traditional conferences, designed to engage and educate attendees in innovative ways.
The push for social equity in cannabis extends beyond creating opportunities for new businesses. Organizers are also advocating for legal reforms to help individuals with prior marijuana convictions, who are often excluded from the industry. “We think this is a civil rights issue,” Perry-Thomas explained, highlighting that the industry’s growth could present one of the last chances for communities harmed by the War on Drugs to achieve justice and economic empowerment.
The Potential of Pennsylvania’s Adult-Use Market
According to estimates from the Pennsylvania Independent Fiscal Office, if adult-use cannabis is legalized in PA, the state could generate between $400 million and $1 billion in tax revenue. However, advocates argue that without equitable laws in place, much of this wealth could bypass communities of color, who were disproportionately affected by past marijuana criminalization. Organizers of Black Cannabis Week are working diligently to ensure that this doesn’t happen, advocating for laws that support local, minority-owned businesses and expungement programs for past marijuana convictions. This ensures that the benefits of legalization reach those most affected by the War on Drugs, promoting a more just and equitable future.
