HBCUs Want Legalized Marijuana to Benefit More Black People

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April 20, 2022

By TheGrio Staff

Several HBCUs have launched programs designed to help Black people participate in the growing cannabis industry

This 4/20, the country is one step closer to seeing the legalization of marijuana on a national level. A May 2021 study expects the legal marijuana industry will be worth nearly $71 billion by 2028. But as local leaders are beginning to recognize the impact of legal weed on their economies, it should come as no surprise that Black folks are being left out of the conversation. Several HBCUs are taking matters into their own hands and preparing their students to take advantage of this growing industry.

Earlier this month, the House passed legislation that decriminalizes weed. It will likely need a hope and a whole lot of prayers to get the support of conservative Republicans in the Senate who are relentless about blocking any legislation that stands to benefit people of color.

African Americans are currently nearly four times more likely to be arrested for possession of marijuana in the United States. But they have yet to profit from the money that can be made as states and municipalities make the business of marijuana legal.

Read the full story here.

Learn about how Racial Injustice still exists today here.

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