Let's Get High on Equity: Legalization, Decriminalization, and Supporting BIPOC Businesses in the Bay Area Cannabis Industry
Let's Get High on Equity: Legalization, Decriminalization, and Supporting BIPOC Businesses in the Bay Area Cannabis Industry
Growing up in the Bay Area, I've always been aware of the vibrant cannabis culture. As a mixed-race American, I haven't personally experienced the brunt of cannabis enforcement, but the racial bias in the system is undeniable. It's clear that Black and brown communities have been unfairly targeted for decades, while white businesses have profited from the legalization boom.
Beyond Legalization: Debunking Myths and Highlighting Benefits
The stigma surrounding cannabis is a tangled mess. Let's untangle some myths:
Gateway Drug: Research shows no clear link between cannabis use and harder drugs.
Just for Getting High: Cannabis has proven medical benefits for pain management, anxiety, and even certain cancers.
Dangerous: While responsible use is key, cannabis is generally less harmful than alcohol or tobacco.
Decriminalization: Justice and Equity
Legalization is great, but it doesn't undo the damage caused by the War on Drugs. Black and brown communities, including Latino communities, continue to face disproportionate arrests for cannabis offenses, even in legal states. Decriminalization would remove these criminal charges, allowing us to move forward.
The Business of Weed: Where's the Equity?
California boasts the nation's largest cannabis market, projected to hit a cool $20 billion in 2021. Yet, a whopping 96% of the top cannabis companies are white-owned. This is outrageous! The people who were most impacted by cannabis prohibition are being excluded from the economic boom it's creating.
Supporting BIPOC Businesses: It's Not Just About Weed
Real change starts with where we spend our money. Let's support BIPOC-owned cannabis businesses in the Bay Area! Here's a revamped list to get you started (be sure to double-check for any changes in operation):
Purple Heart Patient Center (Oakland, CA): A historic Black-owned dispensary fighting to reopen its doors [High Times, 2021].
Blunts and Moore (Oakland, CA): Black-owned haven for all your cannabis needs.
Equity Program Dispensaries (San Francisco): These dispensaries were specifically chosen to promote ownership in underserved communities [SF Weekly, 2019]. Do some research to find one near you!
Posh Green Cannabis Boutique (San Francisco, CA): Woman and BIPOC-owned, offering a welcoming and knowledgeable environment.
This list is just a starting point! I'm also looking for recommendations for Asian, Hispanic and other BIPOC-owned cannabis businesses in the Bay Area. Let's share our finds in the comments and help each other support BIPOC entrepreneurs in the industry!
The Takeaway: It's Time to Get Equitable
Let's not just celebrate legalization, let's push for decriminalization and support that fosters a truly equitable cannabis industry. By spending our money at BIPOC-owned businesses, we can ensure that the communities most harmed by cannabis prohibition are the ones reaping the benefits of its legalization.
Together, we can get high on sustainable change – a change that prioritizes equity and justice for all.