Uplift Action Fund’s Get Out the Vote Campaign
Kevin Ford Jr. is the executive director of Uplift Action Fund Inc., a super PAC that is dedicated to promoting the benefits of legalizing recreational cannabis use. The organization is running a campaign to encourage voters to support Question 4, the statewide ballot initiative that would legalize cannabis use for adults aged 21 and over. Uplift is seeking $30,000 to help spread the word about the benefits of cannabis through social media, digital ads, and other forms of communication. As of a recent campaign finance filing, the organization has raised $3,600 to date.
Rushern L. Baker III’s Consulting Firm Provides Support
Rushern L. Baker III, former Prince George’s County Executive and two-time Democratic gubernatorial candidate, is Kevin Ford Jr.’s godfather. Baker’s consulting firm, Baker Strategy Group, is providing advice to Uplift Action Fund, and the organization is utilizing his College Park work address. Baker believes that the legalization of cannabis is an essential step toward righting the injustices of the war on drugs and is a critical way to help communities that have been historically affected by cannabis convictions.
The Push for Cannabis Legalization
The state ballot question known as “Question 4” asks: “Do you favor the legalization of the use of cannabis by an individual who is at least 21 years of age on or after July 1, 2023, in the State of Maryland?” Recent polls indicate that a majority of Marylanders support the initiative, with 69% of voters planning to vote in the affirmative. Uplift Action Fund is focusing its attention on Baltimore jurisdictions and Prince George’s and Charles counties, where the majority of Black residents reside.
The Potential Benefits of Legalizing Recreational Cannabis Use
If the measure passes, Maryland would join 19 other states that have legalized recreational cannabis use. The accompanying law that passed through the General Assembly this year requires that at least 30% of revenue from adult-use cannabis be reinvested in community-based initiatives in areas historically affected by cannabis convictions. It also permits a person convicted for single possession of cannabis to petition to have their record expunged. Possession of small amounts of cannabis up to 2.5 ounces would become a civil offense in January, and a person cannot possess up to 1.5 ounces until July.
The Need for Holistic Policies
Krystal Oriadha, a co-founder of the local activist group PG Changemakers, believes that any changes to current policy or new laws must be implemented in a thoughtful and holistic way. Oriadha, the only Democratic nominee with a Republican opponent in next month’s general election for a seat on Prince George’s County Council, supports Question 4 and is hosting a town hall to promote the initiative. She believes that the legislative body must push a holistic policy that ensures Black and brown communities are not adversely affected.
Funding for the Yes on 4 Committee
The Yes on 4 Committee, the principal campaign entity working to pass Question 4, has reported raising $106,220 between August 24 and October 9 and spending $112,555 during that period. Almost all of the contributions to the campaign committee came from cannabis-related businesses, including SunMed Growers, Curio Wellness, Green Thumb Industries, and Peake Releaf. Curio Wellness also reported $15,800 in in-kind contributions, paying for outdoor signs supporting the ballot measure, while the Marijuana Policy Project provided $26,000 in in-kind contributions to organize events in support of the initiative. Earlier this year, Trulieve Medical Cannabis Dispensary in Rockville reported a $50,000 contribution to the campaign committee. The lion’s share of reported expenses include payments for video production, graphic design, mailers, and consultant fees. The committee, which also paid for the poll that was released last week, had $16,488 in the bank as of Oct. 9.
