Verano’s Post

"We cannot heal and improve as a society without recognizing what ails us. Barriers to true equality, like the growing #wealthgap, a widening digital divide and persistent lack of equal access to broadband, and inequities in #healthcare continue to plague our country, particularly for Black Americans. We all must address these issues, #together." Robert F. Smith https://lnkd.in/etXsYh6f "In the midst of everything happening around us - the pandemics, the economic struggles, wars, the injustices - Juneteenth stands out as a symbol of resilience and the human spirit's indomitable nature. It's about acknowledging the struggles of the past while actively shaping a more just future." Raymond Hall https://lnkd.in/eYSjyQbp "The theme for Juneteenth 2024 is 'Jubilee' - a joyous celebration of #freedom. Yet for many Black professionals in the financial services and asset management fields, the jubilation of equal #representation remains an aspiration. While strides have been made, only about 7% of asset management professionals identified as Black or African American. Additionally, less than 2% of assets were managed by diverse-owned firms in 2023, highlighting the underrepresentation of Black professionals as senior investment professionals. Let’s celebrate the #resilience that has shaped our nation's journey by continually reminding ourselves to foster an environment where we can all thrive, regardless of our race, ethnicity or background." Shawn Lytle https://lnkd.in/eu8Z4KVU "America can quickly become a richer and more powerful nation if we celebrate and embrace the true meaning of Juneteenth, which is fairness, morality, and the spirit of 'One Nation, Under God, Indivisible.' Happy Juneteenth!" Roy Swan + calls to action: https://lnkd.in/eKmXDaRu "We are taking actions that are intentional, that are sweeping and unapologetic." Gov. Wes Moore below. "It's a time for #community solidarity and profound #respect for African Americans in these United States. Please be mindful." Stixx M. https://lnkd.in/en--gzXD #OnRepeat #InspiredByYou #Leadership #Business #Investing

Congratulations to Maryland Governor Wes Moore for his courageous and righteous decision to pardon over 175,000 people for misdemeanor marijuana-related offenses! This historic action not only acknowledges the errors in the inception of these laws but also paves the way for a more just and equitable society. As someone deeply invested in the world of justice-impacted individuals, I see this as a monumental step forward. Too often, changes in the law fail to retroactively address the harm done to those who were disproportionately affected by unjust policies. Governor Moore’s bold move is a shining example of leadership that others should strive to emulate. At City Startup Labs', Restorative Pathways, we are committed to supporting individuals who have been impacted by the justice system. Our programs focus on providing comprehensive reentry support, from employment training to personal development, helping to bridge the gap between incarceration and successful reintegration into society. Governor Moore's decision is a testament to the power of restorative justice and the importance of addressing the consequences of criminalization. Let’s hope this sets a precedent for other states to follow, ensuring that we not only celebrate the benefits of legalization but also correct the injustices of the past. 💪 ⚖ #RestorativeJustice #ReentrySupport #HolisticReentry #GoodPortions #RestorativePathways #Leadership #Equity

Inside California's Black Market Marijuana Boom California’s black market marijuana industry is flourishing, with upscale residential areas in Antioch becoming hotspots for illegal grow operations. Despite the state’s legalisation of cannabis, enforcement issues persist, largely due to lenient penalties and the lucrative nature of the illicit market. Law enforcement officials have conducted numerous raids, uncovering sophisticated indoor grow houses often linked… Read More: https://lnkd.in/giifvu9Y

Any comments & negativity towards these actions shows a lack of historical context and a knowledge of the injustices that were caused to African Americans due to the Illegalization of Marijuana. Too many young black men and women have been harrassed and incarcerated in nonviolent situations using "weed" as an excuse to arrest or escalate simple interactions with police. The same of course can be said for Hispanic men as well. Only for it to be made legal in a way that cuts poor people out of the abilty to start a legal Marijuana business...and allows young white men and to make BILLIONS off of it. In comparison to the dangers of ACTUAL narcotics, (OXYCODONE/Hydrocodone/Fentanyl) that don't affect the black community as deeply as a whole, and how laws were passed to PROTECT THOSE USERS and treat their use as an addiction as opposed to CRIMINAL I egregious activity. THIS IS GOOD WORK as opposed to the diabolical work that took place previously.

In this video, we dive into the complex relationship between DUI and marijuana laws in Texas. With changing attitudes toward marijuana nationwide, it’s important to understand how Texas handles DUI cases involving marijuana. We’ll cover the legal limits, potential penalties, and what drivers need to know if they’re pulled over under suspicion of driving under the influence of marijuana. Stay informed on how these laws may impact you! https://lnkd.in/gfvFKADt

The Coalition appreciates federal strides toward cannabis policy reform. However, the decision to reschedule rather than fully deschedule represents significant oversights. Nationwide, criminal penalties for cannabis persist, and there is no assurance that banks will support Black & Brown cannabis businesses. Furthermore, crucial aspects such as expungement, immigration, and gun ownership are currently left unaddressed by this measure. We urge the White House to uphold their 2020 campaign pledge and enact full decriminalization by descheduling cannabis. #DescheduleNow

It's not greed but envy that drives the world.   Never forget, drug prohibition is a policy of tyranny, double standards and hypocrisy that pits the most powerful in society against the most vulnerable.   Various High Court judges have stated over last 50 years that drug prohibition is a clear violation of human rights that unfairly punishes drug users and the market that provides them with access to the drug.   In a 2022 study, more than 55% of EU population across 8 different countries said they were in favour of legalising weed.   The EU council refuses to deal with this issue. It’s time for the EU to provide answers and take action. It’s not longer a matter of IF but WHEN?   #cannabisculture #cannabisreform https://lnkd.in/e6H27ty7

MYTH: Legalizing marijuana will result in more crime. FACT: Legalization has led to a decrease in gang violence and has hurt Mexican cartels which now have a smaller market in the US. Get the facts at https://lnkd.in/ewBW6Zgy & share this post if you’re planning to vote #YesOn3!

🚨 URGENT: Former President Trump has endorsed Florida's Amendment 3 for marijuana legalization—a decision that could cost lives. His stance contradicts previous commitments, but he's known to reconsider. 📣 Help us educate and persuade him to reverse this. Sign your name here: https://lnkd.in/eUDKAiPK Let's tell President Trump why he should oppose Amendment 3! #ReverseTheSupport #NoToAmendment3

The STATES 2.0 Act would end federal cannabis prohibition in legal states, allow interstate commerce, and incorporate certain equity provisions such as expungements for people with non-violent cannabis convictions. And now, it has the full support of two major law enforcement organizations—PORAC (Peace Officers Research Association of California) and ORCOPS: Oregon Coalition of Police and Sheriffs. According to Brian Marvel, president of PORAC: “[The STATES 2.0 Act] will enable law enforcement agencies, many of whom are understaffed and underfunded, to focus their limited resources on addressing more serious crimes and illicit substances.” You can encourage your representatives to #DecriminalizeNow and pass the STATES 2.0 Act by sending a letter at lpp.la/420unityletter