As Juneteenth approaches, celebrations highlight the connection between the holiday and cannabis reform, emphasizing both racial justice and the historical context of cannabis in Black culture. Despite the legalization of cannabis and its growth into a multi-billion-dollar industry, Black-owned businesses remain drastically underrepresented. With Black individuals disproportionately impacted by cannabis laws, new initiatives and state provisions for social equity aim to rectify disparities in ownership and access. Organizations are dedicated to promoting minority participation in the cannabis market, striving to turn historical injustices into opportunities for Black entrepreneurs.
Cannabis and Black liberation are more connected than many realize. From jazz musicians in Harlem to civil rights organizers in Oakland, cannabis has long existed at the margins of Black expression, healing, and rebellion.
Less than 2% of cannabis businesses are Black-owned, according to Leafly's 2022 Jobs Report. Many formerly incarcerated individuals locked up for doing what's now legal are locked out of the industry due to complicated licensing systems.
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