Although 39 states have decriminalized or legalized cannabis for medical or recreational use, hundreds of thousands of people are still arrested each year for possession or still imprisoned for past convictions — and they are disproportionately black. In addition, the legal cannabis industry is now worth more than 25 billion dollars In the year, white men make up more than 70% of the C-suite in the industry while only 7% are black.
Simply put, our cannabis laws are half cooked.
That’s why Ben & Jerry’s and the ACLU teamed up on 4/20 to provide an easy way for Americans to take action and ask the Senate to pass cannabis justice legislation. The joint 4/20 campaign will include a series of digital ads on social media platforms that provide Americans with an easy, one-click way to send a message to senators. With 91% of American adults supporting some form of marijuana legalization, it is time for our laws to reflect the will of the people.
“The black and brown community has borne the heavy cost of the cannabis ban and mass incarceration system that fueled, while white men reap the financial benefits of the legal cannabis industry,” he said, Chris Miller, global head of business strategy at Ben & Jerry’s. “That’s why the Senate should immediately pass legislation that begins to right the wrongs of decades of the drug war by legalizing cannabis and erasing records while restoring property rights to the burgeoning legal cannabis industry.”
“For too long, America’s drug laws have been applied unevenly at great cost to black and brown communities. And while no law can abolish lives of injustice, our nation must immediately take essential steps supported by the vast majority of Americans,” he said. Cynthia W. Roseberry, deputy director of policy at the ACLU. “This is what the 4/20 Cannabis Justice Campaign is all about, bringing the voice of Americans to Capitol policymakers.”
Visit benjerry.com On 4/20 to find out more.
It’s time for change.
About Ben and Jerry’s
Ben & Jerry’s is an ambitious social justice company that believes in a mission greater than just making and selling the best ice cream in the world. The company produces a variety of premium quality ice cream and non-dairy/vegan desserts using high quality ingredients and lots of big chunks and swirls. As a B Corp, Ben & Jerry integrates its vision of related prosperity into its business practices through value-based sourcing initiatives when purchasing components. Ben & Jerry’s is distributed in over 35 countries in licensed supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores and Scoops and via on-demand delivery services. Ben & Jerry’s, a Vermont Corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Unilever, conducts its business in accordance with a three-part mission statement emphasizing product quality, fair financial return, and addressing issues of social, racial and environmental injustice worldwide. The Ben & Jerry’s Foundation, under the guidance of Ben & Jerry’s staff, awarded 3 dollars.4 million in 2020 to support progressive grassroots organizing focused on justice across the country. For updated information, visit benjerry.com.
About the American Civil Liberties Union
For more than 100 years, the ACLU has worked in courts, legislatures, and communities to protect the constitutional rights of all people. With a network of national offices and millions of members and supporters, we fight our toughest civil liberties battles. Far from one person, party or side – we people dare to make a more perfect union. Learn more at aclu.org
Source: Ben & Jerry’s
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