The impact of cannabis laws on Indigenous peoples

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

The history and current state of cannabis-related laws and enforcement has been used to control, punish, and oppress marginalized groups of people and reinforce the power structures that were established during colonial rule. The discriminatory policies have disproportionately especially hurt Indigenous people with harsh punishment for those who use the cannabis plant which has various medicinal, social, religious, cultural, and textile uses. The strict laws that criminalize cannabis harm society by enforcing an environment that empowers violent organized crime groups and pharmaceutical companies who profit off cannabis being illegal. Cannabis reform including decriminalization and legalization may be a viable option for many nations to consider as a harm reduction strategy. The current laws and reforms will be evaluated, and policy implications will be discussed.

Author

• Angelo Brown, Arkansas State University