Formerly Incarcerated RIers, Policy Experts Hosting Panel on Cannabis Bill & Social Equity Policies

Formerly Incarcerated RIers, Policy Experts Hosting Panel on Cannabis Bill & Social Equity Policies

Grassroots advocates, formerly incarcerated individuals, and nonprofit organizations working to support policies related to the legalization of cannabis that "center the lives and needs of people most impacted by harmful and discriminatory cannabis policies" are hosting the first in a series of online discussions on Monday afternoon. 

At 2:00 PM Monday afternoon, the Yes We Cannabis RI coalition will kick off the first in a series of three online educational panels focused on cannabis legalization and social equity. 

Titled “Seeds of Hope: Repairing the Harm,” the discussion will focus on automatic record clearance for past cannabis offenses and other reforms to the criminal legal system. The event will be moderated by Cherie Cruz of the Formerly Incarcerated Union of Rhode Island. 

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“With the legalization of adult-use cannabis on the horizon, many Rhode Islanders want to know who will benefit and whether the policy will truly be equitable," said Cruz. "We need to make sure ‘social equity’ is more than just a buzzword in this conversation. Our coalition is hosting this educational series to educate and inform voters, lawmakers, and members of the press about how various policy decisions and aspects of legalization will impact vulnerable and historically marginalized communities.”

 

How to Take Part

The online panel series will be streamed live on the Yes We Cannabis RI Facebook page, with recordings available afterward.

There will be an open question and answer session after each discussion with questions from the online audience (submitted to the Facebook page). 

Panelists include: 

Steven Brown – American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island
Juan Cuthbert – Directly impacted leader
Evan Rosin-Pritchard – former community liaison for the RI Public Defender
Carly Wolf – National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

 

Upcoming Online Panels Hosted by Yes We Cannabis

Monday, March 14th at 4:00 PM ET – “Seeds of Hope: Remembering the Patients”

Patient advocates will discuss how Rhode Island can protect those who need cannabis for medical reasons and ensure they are not left behind as the state moves forward with legalizing, regulating, and taxing adult-use cannabis.

Monday, March 21st (time TBD) — “Seeds of Hope: Building an Inclusive Industry”

Advocates will discuss lessons learned and how Rhode Island can be a leader in establishing a more equitable cannabis economy.