STATEMENT FROM BERTHA LEWIS RE: Senator Schumer’s Announcement to Decriminalize Marijuana

STATEMENT FROM BERTHA LEWIS
RE: Senator Schumer’s Announcement to Decriminalize Marijuana

New York, NY – “I applaud Senator Chuck Schumer’s decision to listen to the voice of the people and announce a plan to decriminalize marijuana at the federal level. This action is the step New York needed to fight the stigma that surrounds cannabis.

“The criminalization of marijuana has disproportionately affected people of color in many ways. There are more low-level marijuana drug arrests today than ever before. It has kept our brothers and sisters in jail for low-level offenses, as well as preventing many from advancing in society.

“The medical cannabis boom has the ability to contribute millions of dollars to our federal economy. Much like the tech boom, it is an innovative business venture that has offered limited opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses to participate. Senator Schumer’s bill would open the door for minority entrepreneurs and allow them to benefit from this new economy, and not be left behind,” said Bertha Lewis, President and Founder of The Black Institute.

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