Governor Hochul and Assembly Leader Peoples-Stokes

Thank you for prioritizing previously cannabis-related convicted individuals and their close family members to receive first consideration for new licenses in the emerging adult-use marketplace.

As you may be aware, a 2017 survey conducted by Marijuana Business Daily revealed that only 19% of the respondents identified as persons of color. Only 4.1% identified as Black or African American.

This racial disparity in marijuana-related arrests and convictions, as well as the overwhelming whiteness of the existing legal cannabis industry in states across the country, is something your plan could help combat. I encourage you to continue spearheading cannabis legislation rooted in racial and economic equity, as your leadership on this critical intersection of cannabis policy reform and economic justice serves as a model for other states.

It is our sincere hope that your efforts will reverberate around the nation and inspire similar justice-oriented reforms in licensing, zoning, lending, and other related economic criteria in this emerging industry moving forward.

Thank you very much for your time,