Press Release

Community Voices: Advancing Social Justice and Equity In Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA – June 11, 2024 – On June 11, 2024 at the Pennsylvania State Capitol, Black Cannabis Week will officially release the comprehensive report, Community Voices: Advancing Social Justice and Equity In Pennsylvania, a pivotal document advocating for social justice and equity in the state's cannabis policy. This report marks a significant step toward addressing the historical injustices caused by cannabis prohibition and envisions a future where equitable cannabis legislation promotes economic, health, and social justice.

Report at a Glance:

• Personal Connection to Cannabis:

  • Cannabis as an effective alternative for pain management and mental health support.

  • Advocacy for cannabis legalization and societal acceptance.

• Perceptions of PA Adult-Use Cannabis Legislation Importance in the Black Community:

  • The strong support for adult-use cannabis legislation, reflected by 90% of survey respondents deeming it “very important,” underscores the recognition of the disproportionate impact of cannabis prohibition on Black communities and the racial bias in drug law enforcement in the United States.

• Key Components for an Adult Use Cannabis Bill in Pennsylvania:

  • Support for Home Cultivation.

  • Advocacy for Equity and Social Justice Measures.

Recommendations for Adult-Use Cannabis Bill in Pennsylvania:

These recommendations have been made based on insights from the report and advocacy groups:

• Implementing a “right to first refusal” policy to prioritize disadvantaged communities.

• Establishing a cooperative model for cannabis enterprises.

• Creating an independent regulatory program.

• Establishing a Social Equity Office.

• Initiating clemency programs for non-violent cannabis offenses.

• Supporting disadvantaged farmers, veterans, and communities.

• Allowing medical patients to cultivate cannabis at home.

Key Highlights of the Community Voices Report:

1. Historical Context and Impact of Prohibition: The report delves into the historical criminalization of cannabis, tracing its roots back to discriminatory policies and the War on Drugs, which disproportionately affected Black and brown communities. It highlights the enduring impact of these policies on marginalized groups, particularly in areas of employment, education, and economic opportunities.

2. Community Voices and Advocacy: Through personal stories and testimonials, the report underscores the vital role of cannabis in pain management, mental health support, and overall well-being. It amplifies the voices of those advocating for the legalization and societal acceptance of cannabis, emphasizing the need for regulation akin to that of alcohol.

3. Equity and Social Justice Measures: The report outlines comprehensive recommendations for an adult-use cannabis bill in Pennsylvania, including prioritizing disadvantaged communities, establishing cooperative enterprises, and supporting medical patients.

4. Survey Findings: The Community Voices survey, conducted during the 6th Annual Cannabis Opportunities Conference, gathered diverse perspectives on cannabis legislation. The findings reveal a strong consensus on the importance of adult-use cannabis legislation for the Black community, with 90% of respondents considering it “very important.”

Message from Cherron Perry-Thomas, Co-Founder of DACO and Founder of Black Cannabis Week: “The push for adult-use cannabis is a recognition of historical wrongs and a vision for economic, health, and social justice. Supporting an equitable adult-use bill can rectify these injustices through support for disadvantaged businesses, clearing records, and reinvesting in harmed communities. This movement is more than legalizing a plant; it’s about creating a just, equitable, and prosperous future for all.”

About Black Cannabis Week: Black Cannabis Week (BCW) is an initiative of the Diasporic Alliance for Cannabis Opportunities (DACO), focusing on organizing events across the African diaspora to uplift and empower Black individuals in the cannabis industry. BCW provides a global platform to recognize and celebrate their contributions and voices.

About DACO: The Diasporic Alliance for Cannabis Opportunities (DACO) is a nonprofit organization based in Philadelphia dedicated to raising awareness about educational, wellness, and economic opportunities in the cannabis industry. DACO strives to foster a balanced and thriving cannabis community that promotes both physical and mental well-being.

For more information about the report and the event, please visit bit.ly/AdvancingSocialJustice.

Note to Editors: Cherron Perry-Thomas and other key contributors will be available for interviews following the release event. To schedule an interview, please get in touch with Cherron Perry-Thomas at 1-800-791-1845 or cherron@wearedaco.com.