“Incoming Commissioners have a responsibility to continue consultation, uplifting and working with affected communities.”
By Kevin G. Andrade of Rhode Island Current
A small group social justice activists gathered Thursday in front of the State House to ask the Rhode Island Senate for a social justice lens to be used when vetting three candidates nominated by the Governor to the state Cannabis Control Commission.
David-Alan Sumner was one of them. He had been incarcerated on marijuana charges and joined the Rhode Island Cannabis Justice Coalition in order to raise awareness about the communities that have suffered from the War on Drugs.
Sumner stated that those closest to a problem were the ones who had the best chance of finding a solution. It’s difficult to understand and have empathy for someone who is BIPOC if you don’t have any experience in their shoes.
Gov. Dan McKee, (D), has nominated Kimberly Ahern as his deputy chief-of-staff, alongside former Rep. Robert Jacquard, (D), personal injury lawyer Layi Oduyingbo, to the Cannabis Control Commission.
Nominations were made almost two years after passage of the Rhode Island Cannabis Act. This act outlines the legal framework for the sale and regulation of cannabis products.
The coalition did not criticize the nominations of the governor, but instead called for the Senate to question each nominee thoroughly before they were confirmed. The Senate Judiciary Committee is yet to set a date for the advice and consent hearing.
In his opening remarks, Daniel Denvir, a spokesman for the Rhode Island Cannabis Justice Coalition, reminded state officials that work on constructing a cannabis sector that is just, equitably, and focused around the communities that are most affected by the War on Drugs has not stopped.
The incoming commissioners are responsible for continuing to consult, uplift, and work with the members of affected communities. We’d love to hear the Senate ask them about issues such as social, racial and economic justice.
The activists called for the Senate to actively ask the nominees about issues of equity focusing on race and economy.
According to a report by the American Civil Liberties Union Rhode Island Chapter, Black people in the state were 3.3x more likely to have been arrested for cannabis-related offenses. According to activists, this has perpetuated poverty cycles in many neighborhoods that are populated by people who are of color.
“The Senate takes advice and consent responsibilities seriously”, said Sen. Dominick Ruggierio of North Providence, a Democrat.
The Senate Judiciary Committee is currently vetting all candidates for the Cannabis Control Commission, just as it would do for any other candidate that they bring before them to receive their advice and consent.
Rep. David Morales of Providence, a Democrat, as well as Rep. Cherie C. Cruz, a Pawtucket Democrat, were among the members of the General Assembly who attended to support the advocates.
The Rhode Island Cannabis Law, which activists called one of the most progressive laws in the country, currently allows 24 retail licenses. Six of those licenses are reserved exclusively for applicants who meet the criteria for social justice, and six more are reserved exclusively for worker-owned co-ops.
The activists stated that the provisions of worker cooperatives, which allow dispensaries to be owned and operated solely by workers, could go a very long way in addressing equity issues.
There was a representative of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 238 who showed their support. This union represents workers in several Rhode Island cannabis dispensaries.
Sam Marvin said that it was crucial to thoroughly vet all of the candidates for these positions.
Tripp Hopkinton, Raquel Baker and other workers at the PVD Flower Cooperative registered in February with the Secretary’s Office, were among those who wanted to benefit from the social equity provisions of the law. The co-op, which is not yet open but plans to be in Providence, wants to take advantage of the law’s social equity provisions.
Hopkinton stated that cannabis has been historically used to target the most vulnerable people in the system.
Baker, who obtained a medical cannabis license in 2012, says that the opportunity to work at the co-op opened up doors for her.
She said, “I cannot imagine wanting to work somewhere else.” “Co-op owning has given me a chance I’ve never had before.”
Originally published by Rhode Island Current.
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The post Rhode Island activists call on Senate to press cannabis commission nominees about equity and justice first appeared on Marijuana Moment.
