New York — one of the more recent states to legalize cannabis — is moving to nominate blacks to head its Cannabis Control Board and its Office of Cannabis Management. The state is also preparing to take note of the social injustice surrounding cannabis, politics, and its impact on black communities.
What This Means
As cannabis grows into a billion-dollar industry, as it becomes legal for recreational use in many states, as dispensaries continue to pop up, there is one consistent conversation that’s taking place in BIPOC communities.
Why is it that a powerful aspect of our culture, our past, and our future, has so easily been commandeered by white people? How are they the voice and policyholder of an industry built on black lives?
A recent press release from the governor’s office announced the nominations of Tremaine Wright to Chair of the Cannabis Control Commissions. Chris Alexander is the candidate for Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Management. Both are black.
The governor’s office understands the deep hurt illegal cannabis brought to minority individuals and communities across the state and country. Both nominees, according to Kassandra Frederique, Executive Director of the Drug Policy Alliance (who is also black), reflect “a commitment to working with people who have been directly impacted by prohibition and demonstrated a belief in evidence-based policies that center equity and justice.”
What we’re seeing is what seems perfectly natural. That is the nomination of black people with social justice backgrounds given positions in programs related to legal marijuana, regulation, and the cannabis industry.
Looking at racial and economic inequities was a serious influencer in the nominee picks. Frederique says, “New Yorkers have been clear that cannabis is a critical criminal justice issue and that the communities that have been most impacted should have a crucial role in governing the new market and the larger regulatory institution, which historically has not been the case in other states that have legalized cannabis.”
The state is moving swiftly to bypass delays under the previous administration while nominating the next generation of leaders with involvement in righting marijuana and social injustice. Governor Hochul says New York State will be a center point for economic and racial justice provision through quick action and implementation.
About Chris Alexander
Alexander is a former policymaker for the Drug Policy Alliance. He had a huge role in the development of the Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act. The act essentially legalized adult-use cannabis in New York. The nominee is well regarded for his involvement in crafting the legislation, ensuring a positive impact on “racial and economic justice.”
About Tremaine Wright
A former assemblywoman, Wright used her position to promote minimum wage rates legislation. She was also deeply involved in a bill that required the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision to house incarcerated parents close to their children. She played a part in the establishment of auto voter registration. Currently, Wright is the Director of the Office of Financial Inclusion and Empowerment with the NYS Department of Financial Services.
