In a bold move to make cannabis legalization a central topic in this year’s state elections, North Carolina State Senator Graig Meyer (D) has launched a striking campaign ad titled ‘Two Stops.’ This powerful ad illustrates the racially biased treatment of Black and white marijuana users by law enforcement, resonating deeply with audiences across various platforms. The ad features two fictional scenarios: a Black person is arrested for using marijuana, while a white person, after a similar encounter with the police, is released and continues his day playing golf. This stark contrast aims to ignite discussions on racial inequality in law enforcement, an issue Meyer is emphasizing as he seeks a second term in the state Senate.
Meyer is the lead sponsor of Senate Bill 346, which proposes the legalization and taxation of cannabis in North Carolina. He advocates for the revenue generated by this tax to be reinvested in communities disproportionately affected by racist drug laws. This initiative comes amid a growing presence of cannabis in national politics and campaign strategies.
North Carolina’s cannabis landscape has also seen significant developments, including the historic opening of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ medical cannabis dispensary, the first and only legal cannabis purchase point in the state. This dispensary’s launch on 4/20 is a significant step for the state, although its availability is limited to the Qualla Boundary under the tribe’s sovereignty.
Despite the traction Meyer’s campaign and legislative efforts are gaining, significant hurdles remain. North Carolina’s constitution does not allow for ballot initiatives, necessitating a bipartisan consensus in a General Assembly dominated by Republicans. Meyer remains hopeful that legalization will become a focal issue in upcoming state elections, including those for governor and attorney general.
Meyer also advocates for the expungement of records for individuals previously convicted of low-level cannabis offenses, aligning with broader criminal justice reform efforts.
