Casey, Amber, Frenchie, Leo, Belle, Mikey, with Nikki and Swami at Swami Select Farm in Mendocino County

Mitigating the Damage of Prohibition

One of the most important elements of Prop 64 is its criminal justice reforms. The War on Drugs has been unjustly waged on millions of people, and Prop 64 seeks to mitigate some of that damage. Right now there are more than 6,000 people serving time who could have their sentence shortened, and another 1 million people convicted of marijuana-related offenses who could have their records changed or cleared, giving them wider access to jobs, housing and other services. As a community we need to make sure this information spreads, and those affected by the War on Drugs have tools to expunge their records. We also need to make sure there is a place at them at the table, and that profits and tax dollars from this booming industry will provide opportunities and improve their communities.

1 million people convicted of marijuana-related offenses who could have their records changed or cleared, giving them wider access to jobs, housing and other services.

Hua, Steve, Gavin, and Emily at AgTech

While California’s Adult Use legalization is exciting, it comes at a time of divisiveness and uncertainty. More than anything it highlights our need to come together as a community to set the bar high, listen to each other, learn from each other, and look out for each other. When it comes to cannabis, the possibilities are endless. We are constantly humbled by how much there still is to learn; and the more we learn the more we realize just how little we know. So let’s stay humble and pledge to work even harder than before. We have an amazing opportunity to show the world how California can build a thriving legal cannabis market, rooted in community and compassion.