Author: Ariyanna Smith, DI

Digital News Intern, UnmutedCo. Black News Alerts University of North Carolina at Charlotte B.A. Communication Studies/Journalism 2021

Black-owned businesses in the cannabis industry are low despite increased legalization. What We Know: Medical marijuana, now legal in 33 states (approved for recreational use in 10) is worth billions. This number will grow as legalization efforts increase. Only 4.3% of marijuana business owners are African-American while White males have the highest ownership rates in the cannabis industry. High start-up costs, licensing fees, and operating expenses make it difficult to enter the cannabis industry. Drug-related offenses also affect licensing eligibility. African-Americans are 3.73 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than white people. This puts African-Americans hoping to…

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