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Weed, marijuana, pot, chronic, sticky-icky, ganja, herb, mary jane, grass, cannabis—no matter what you call it, its reputation has long been marred by the stigma of being a gateway drug, associated with either carefree users or criminals. Many are aware of at least one cannabis user, and some may even partake themselves. However, the stigma surrounding cannabis usage often keeps women from admitting their use, particularly in communities of color.
In recent years, the perception of cannabis has shifted significantly, yet disparities continue to exist in how different demographics are treated. Particularly for Black women, the stigma surrounding cannabis is compounded by the threat of criminal repercussions, even in states where it’s legal. This is a privilege that many white women can exercise freely, but not all.
The reality is that cannabis has been heavily criminalized in Black and brown communities since the War on Drugs began in the 1960s. While the cannabis industry has ballooned into a $61 billion sector, it remains predominantly controlled by white men, leaving Black and brown communities—those most impacted by previous penalization—on the sidelines of this lucrative market.
According to the ACLU, racial disparities in marijuana possession arrests are stark and persistent. Despite similar usage rates between Black and white individuals aged 18 to 25, Black users are 3.64 times more likely to be arrested for cannabis-related offenses. For instance, in 2016, over 90% of those arrested in Atlanta for possessing small amounts of marijuana were African American, and Black women faced arrests at double the rate of white men. In San Francisco, Black women represented 30% of felony marijuana arrests, despite making up only 6% of the population.
Moreover, Black women face additional scrutiny due to the generational impact of the war on drugs and the stereotypes that persist in society, such as the angry Black woman trope and the over-sexualized Jezebel. This unique form of misogyny, known as misogynoir, complicates the already fraught relationship between Black women and cannabis usage.
While there is a visible increase in media representation of women using cannabis in a destigmatized manner, women of color remain largely excluded from this narrative. Prominent shows feature white actresses in cannabis-related roles, reinforcing a narrative that does not include the experiences of women of color.
As the cannabis industry continues to expand, with 36 states legalizing it for medical use and 17 states plus Washington, D.C. allowing recreational use for adults, it’s crucial to acknowledge that not everyone enjoys the same level of privilege in this context. As Ivy Ann Rosado pointed out, true legalization must accompany a broader cultural shift that includes women of color in the conversation. Queen Adesuyi emphasized the need for a significant change in societal perceptions of Black women, indicating that the issue extends beyond drug policy itself.
Celebrate the advancement in cannabis legalization, but remember that this progress doesn’t equate to equal opportunity for all. For more insights on this topic, check out this blog post and explore resources like Make a Mom for information on home insemination.
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In summary, while cannabis is becoming more accepted and legalized, Black women face unique challenges due to systemic racism and societal stigma. Their experiences highlight the need for a more inclusive narrative in the cannabis conversation.
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