Black History Month Reflections: Acknowledging the Racist Roots of the War on Drugs
Hey Buddies,
As February winds down, it’s time for deep reflection and action at Moonstone Botanicals, especially as we consider the historical and ongoing impact of the war on drugs and how it has worked since the early 1970s up until now to destabilize black communities. If you were not aware, February is Black History Month. My goal for you is that by the end of this article, you will understand how the war on drugs started, why it is still happening today, and what you can do to help make it right in your community.
The Origins of the War on Drugs is Rooted in Racism
The war on drugs was officially declared by President Richard Nixon in 1971, under the guise of addressing drug abuse as a "public enemy number one." However, like many others in our nation’s history, this initiative was rooted in political strategy and had nothing to do with concerns over public health. John Ehrlichman, a former Nixon advisor, later even admitted that the campaign was aimed at disrupting the Black community and anti-war protestors. The logic was clear: by criminalizing something closely associated with these groups, it was possible to disrupt their communities, arrest their leaders, and vilify them night after night on the evening news.
The impact was immediate and long-lasting. In the 1970s, incarceration rates for non-violent drug crimes, including cannabis possession, began to climb. Fast forward to today, and despite significant strides towards legalization and decriminalization, the disparity in arrest rates for Black Americans for similar offenses remains stark.
The Price of Silence
This systemic bias has silenced and sidelined countless potential leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates, and innovators in the cannabis community and beyond. If you are someone who has experienced racial bias in your community due to drug use or any reason at all, it is my goal that this article honors you. We cannot measure the loss of your voice and presence that is felt in your homes or communities, and it is my goal that if you experienced marginalization for drug use or skin color, you feel honored and seen by this article. By marginalizing Black voices, we've all suffered from a lack of diversity in thought, perspective, and leadership within the cannabis industry and wider society. As we work towards a more equitable future, recognizing and rectifying these injustices is not just a matter of social justice—it's a matter of enriching our community.
Moving Forward Together
In the spirit of Black History Month, let's not only reflect on the past but also look to the future with hope and determination. Here are some ways we can all contribute to amplifying and empowering the voices that have been muted:
Support Black-Owned Businesses: Make a conscious effort to support businesses that are owned and operated by Black entrepreneurs.
Educate and Advocate: Commit to educating yourself and others about the racial disparities created by the war on drugs and advocate for policies that seek to address and rectify these injustices.
Amplify Black Voices: Use your platforms, whether social media or personal networks, to highlight and amplify the stories, work, and contributions of Black individuals in the cannabis community.
Participate in Policy Reform: Engage in advocacy for policy reform that not only addresses the legal implications of cannabis use but also actively works to repair the damages inflicted on Black communities by the war on drugs.
In Closing
As we navigate Black History Month and beyond, let’s carry forward the lessons of the past as a beacon for action and change. We are committed to being part of a future where the cannabis community reflects the diversity, strength, and resilience of all its members. Together, we can forge a path of solidarity, hope, and empowerment, and encourage each other to be the best versions of ourselves that we are capable of
With love and respect,
Josh
@herenowforeverjosh
