Al Harrington, a former NBA player turned cannabis entrepreneur, brings a unique perspective to the burgeoning cannabis industry. In an exclusive interview with Benzinga Cannabis, Harrington, with the conviction of someone who’s experienced the consequences of history, expresses his deep concern about the potential for corporate interests to dominate this industry. He warns of the dangers of repeating historical patterns that have marginalized communities of color, particularly those impacted by the war on drugs.
Harrington’s mission is rooted in advocacy. He believes that the people who faced incarceration for cannabis possession should now have a seat at the table in this billion-dollar industry. He draws parallels to other industries, like alcohol and lottery, which were once illegal but are now dominated by corporations with little ownership by communities of color. He’s determined to ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself in the cannabis space.
Harrington points to the historical context of the war on drugs, emphasizing its origins in political agendas rather than genuine concern for public safety. He cites the resurfaced comments of former President Richard Nixon, revealing that Nixon didn’t actually consider marijuana particularly dangerous. Harrington believes Nixon’s policies were influenced by other powerful forces, such as the paper and lumber industries, which saw hemp as a threat due to its versatility. This likely played a role in cannabis being categorized as a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin and cocaine, despite having vastly different effects. This categorization, he argues, was politically motivated and doesn’t make sense from a scientific perspective.
He sees the current legalization movement as a chance to correct historical injustices, arguing that the people most harmed by the war on drugs should be the ones benefiting from the industry’s growth. He passionately advocates for the creation of generational wealth for these communities, mirroring opportunities enjoyed by those outside of these marginalized groups.
As we delve into the role of big pharmaceutical companies and other powerful corporate interests in the cannabis space, Harrington acknowledges the challenges ahead. He recognizes that, with federal legalization on the horizon, these entities are likely to move aggressively into the industry. He anticipates that they will attempt to buy up existing cannabis businesses, potentially forcing out smaller, community-based companies. While he hasn’t personally experienced pressure from these groups, he believes their influence will be significant once federal legalization takes effect.
For Harrington, the fight goes beyond business. He advocates for protecting the integrity of the cannabis plant, emphasizing its natural growth and cultural significance. He argues that cannabis’s true potential can only be realized through authentic cultivation, not through laboratory-produced pharmaceuticals. He sees the cannabis industry as a potential vehicle for social change, empowering marginalized communities and offering a path toward a more equitable future.
Harrington’s dedication to this plant, combined with his drive to create opportunities for communities of color, positions him as both an advocate and protector of what cannabis should be. He’s not just building a business; he’s building a legacy. And for him, that legacy is about ensuring that the people who have been marginalized by the war on drugs have a stake in the industry’s future—and that cannabis remains a force for healing, empowerment, and equity.
