While other mainstream brands frequently push cannabis-themed advertising campaigns for the 4/20 holiday, Ben & Jerry’s took the opportunity this year to champion responsible cannabis reforms in a company statement published April 20.
The ice cream maker specifically called for national legalization efforts that would include the expungement of prior cannabis convictions.
“Legalization must have equity at its heart. That’s why we’re calling on Congress to support the MORE Act, which would make cannabis legal and … expunge prior cannabis convictions.” — Ben & Jerry’s company statement
Unfortunately, the company points out, legalization reforms so far have failed to address the biggest issue with cannabis prohibition: its unfair and racially disparate enforcement practices. Even now that 11 states that have legalized adult-use cannabis, Black Americans are still 253% more likely to be arrested for simple possession.
It’s hard for us to get excited about #420 when so many people of color are still being arrested for cannabis. We have to do better. Learn more: https://t.co/cDd2GrE9OT pic.twitter.com/aA8JBFyume
— Ben & Jerry’s (@benandjerrys) April 18, 2020
Ben & Jerry’s has thrown its weight behind the cannabis movement before: founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield are both outspoken about having used cannabis and in 2015 they said they would consider releasing a cannabis-infused ice cream line when legalization happens on the national level. Meanwhile, the company leaders already committed last summer to shipping a CBD-infused product line once the appropriate regulations are in place.
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