Marijuana & Social Justice

A Moment with Erik Fleming

A Moment with Erik Fleming

In this podcast episode, Kevin A. Sabet, Ph.D., President/CEO of Smart Approaches to Marijuana, talks about his concerns over the legalization of marijuana in America and Malia C. Lazu, DEI consultant and author of From Intention to Impact, explains how Corporate America can successfully commit to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Will Commercialization Deliver Social Justice?

On the surface, legalizing marijuana might sound like a good way to address issues of systemic injustice. People of color are almost 6 times more likely to be arrested for all drugs, including marijuana, than whites.

We need a holistic approach that addresses the causes – not just the symptoms – of injustice. Removing criminal penalties for marijuana possession as part of a comprehensive marijuana policy is a must. Legalization, however, goes too far and creates a multi-billion dollar industry whose impact exacerbates many of the underlying contributors to systemic injustice. The emerging data from states that have tried legalization offer three main reasons why legalization should be opposed as a tool for social justice: Incarceration. Commercialization. Reformation.

What Leaders and Activists are Saying