NAACP On Federal Marijuana Legalization & A Resolution Advocating For Workers' Rights In Cannabis Industry

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has taken a significant step in its advocacy for both federal marijuana legalization and workers’ rights within the cannabis industry.

As reported by Marijuana Moment, during the 114th NAACP National Convention, delegates convened to discuss and vote on a range of issues, leading to the adoption of a resolution that reaffirms the organization's commitment to cannabis reform while introducing a new stance on labor peace agreements and worker protections.

Related Content: Cannabis Use During Off-Hours Not Associated With Elevated Risk Of Workplace Accidents, Finds New Study

About The Resolution

• The resolution underscores the pivotal role that workers will play in the burgeoning cannabis sector. It emphasizes that "the majority of people in the cannabis industry will be workers rather than owners" and stresses the importance of affording these workers fair treatment and safe workplaces.
• In a bid to ensure equitable opportunities, the NAACP calls for access to union representation, training, and apprenticeships, particularly for individuals from communities that have historically borne the brunt of cannabis prohibition.
• Importantly, the resolution aligns with the NAACP's previous resolutions on cannabis, decriminalization, and equity, while also advocating for the inclusion of labor peace agreements as a precondition for licensure in federal, state, and local medical and adult-use cannabis legislation.

The document goes further to assert that all cannabis workers should be granted the same employee rights as outlined in existing labor laws.

Related Content: Did Biden Administration Ever Send Letter Directing Marijuana Scheduling Review? HHS Has No Record Of It

Repercussions: The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), which advocates for cannabis workers' rights in various legalized states, commended the NAACP's resolution. Marc Perrone, the UFCW International President, hailed the move as a stride toward recognizing the potential positive impact of a worker-friendly cannabis industry, particularly for communities of color.

Related Content: Labor Union Urges Biden To End Marijuana Prohibition, Protect Workers, Prevent Monopolies

Derrick Johnson, president, and CEO of the NAACP, highlighted the urgency of centering Black interests in both entrepreneurial and labor aspects of the burgeoning marijuana market. He emphasized the need to rectify past injustices perpetuated by the "War on Drugs" and ensure that Black workers share in the industry's growth.

Read more here at Marijuana Moment

Event To address This Issue: if you are interested to know more about an equitable future for all participants in the evolving cannabis landscape considered joining us at the 17th edition of the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, which is returning to Chicago on Sept 27-28. Get your tickets today before prices increase and secure a spot at the epicenter of cannabis investment and branding.

“Through compelling conversations on every pressing issue from the preservation of Black history in schools, to the importance of stopping hate wherever it rears its ugly head, our time in Boston was a success." — NAACP President and CEO @DerrickNAACP
🔗:https://t.co/pOwNZWu7Ax

— NAACP (@NAACP) August 4, 2023

Image by El Planteo