Activists have been working for months registering new voters, collecting signatures, and educating the public, in hopes of giving voters in their state the opportunity to make their voices heard and cast their vote for marijuana. But social distancing guidelines have made this work virtually impossible. Here is an overview of key 2020 ballot initiative efforts and where they stand now.
“Cannabis businesses are major employers and significant contributors to local economies in Colorado and across the country. They should receive the same level of support as other legal, legitimate businesses and be eligible for SBA relief funds during this COVID-19 crisis.”
Ten members of the Senate, led by Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Ron Wyden (D-OR), and 34 members of the House, led by Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Tom McClintock (R-CA), have recently issued letters requesting Small Business Administration funding programs be expanded so that they may be accessed by state-licensed cannabis businesses.
According to the ACLU’s report, Blacks are 3.64 times more likely than whites to face arrest, despite both groups acknowledging consuming cannabis at nearly similar rates.
In celebration of NORML’s 50th anniversary, join us for a 100% FREE virtual live-streaming event where we will take a journey through time and honor cannabis pioneers, new leaders, and future change makers!
NORML encourages those who wish to express their support for marijuana policy reform this 4/20 to engage in the many online/virtual celebrations taking place throughout the day.
Right now, the majority of states that regulate cannabis commerce have deemed the industry to be “essential” to the health and welfare of the community. Many of these establishments are small-to-medium size operators, and their employees are keeping their doors open without access to the support systems in place for other businesses, thus depriving them of much-needed resources in this time of crisis.