Empowerment Exchange: Cannabis & Culture

Historically, racially disproportionate enforcement of drug laws has resulted in Black Ohioans being 3.4x more likely to be arrested for cannabis possession and distribution than White Ohioans, despite similar rates in cannabis consumption. In 2023, voters overwhelmingly approved Ohio Issue 2, the Marijuana Legalization Initiative, to legalize adult recreational cannabis use, and dispensaries are slated to begin sales later this year. While this was a huge victory for recreational cannabis legalization advocates, what does it mean for the Black community? How can Black Ohioans take advantage of this social and economic opportunity? What challenges and systemic barriers to social justice and equity still exist? What solutions can we take?

 

Join our panelists as we discuss the challenges, barriers, solutions, and opportunities for socially equitable change for our state.