Cannabis Policy in the 21st Century: Mandating an Equitable Future and Shedding the Racist Past

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Drug Policy Studies

Background:

• The United States has seen widespread cannabis legalization since 2012.
• Legalization is often framed as a rejection of the War on Drugs, which disproportionately harmed Black and Brown communities.
• However, racial disparities in cannabis arrests have worsened in legal states.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze how US drug policy has perpetuated racism, even with stated equity goals.
• To advocate for a new paradigm in cannabis policy for national legalization.
• To highlight the need for anti-racist strategies in cannabis reform.

Main Methods:

• Commentary and analysis of existing drug policy and its historical context.
• Review of state-level social equity and community reinvestment program outcomes.
• Incorporation of guidance from leaders of color on equity-focused cannabis policy.

Main Results:

• Racial inequities in cannabis arrests have increased in states with legal adult-use cannabis.
• Social equity and community reinvestment programs have shown limited progress.
• US drug policy, historically rooted in racism, continues to perpetuate racial disparities.

Conclusions:

• Current cannabis legalization efforts risk perpetuating systemic racism.
• Mandating equity in national cannabis policy is critical.
• Acknowledging history, studying state experiences, and listening to marginalized communities are essential for anti-racist legalization and reparative practices.