Problem
Because of racially motivated War on Drug policies, nearly 4 million African Americans and Latinos have been arrested, incarcerated and or convicted of a felony marijuana charge. Seventy five percent of those individuals will never move out of poverty unless the system is changed. Like the failed war on drugs, the new marijuana industry is poised to enshrine discriminatory practices in the regulatory system. By prohibiting the rights of those with marijuana related charges to fully participate in the cannabis marketplace, government and private industry partners are sealing the fate of people who already struggle to living wage employment, government assistance in housing and education support. Ironically, while people of color make up 88% of all marijuana related convictions for distribution of marijuana, they make up less than 1% of those who own and or work in the cultivation and dispensary sectors of the marijuana industry. Evidence is clear- African American communities where marijuana-related arrests outpace other communities have been socially and economically destroyed by mass incarceration related to drug law enforcement, yet these same communities are least likely to benefit from the billion-dollar economic boom that legalization now presents.
Pathway
Our solution is simple. The Marijuana Policy Trust will provide unbiased and credible information based in research to local and state government officials tasked with implementing cannabis-related legislation and regulation. In collaboration with jurisdictions around the country we will ensure data-driven planning and implementation efforts that provide equitable access and opportunity at every stage of the regulatory process. Our team will develop policy recommendations, assessment and training materials that respond to the specific needs of the jurisdiction. Marijuana Policy Trust is a social enterprise aimed at modeling cannabis regulations that create equity in marketplace access, revenue generation and improved economic conditions for individuals and communities most impacted by failed the war on drug policies. We are DO-GOODERS passionate about creating pathways out of poverty! Credibility and community representation is at the heart of the organizational mission.
Person
Khadijah A. Tribble is an accomplished entrepreneur, activist, and policy expert who has dedicated her career to promoting equity and inclusion in the cannabis industry. As the founder and CEO of Marijuana Matters, she has been a leading voice in shaping cannabis policy at the local, state, and national levels.
A graduate of the Cheng Fellows Program, Khadijah has leveraged her training and experience to create meaningful change in the cannabis industry. Over the past five years, she has built Marijuana Matters into a credible and influential policy partner, working closely with lawmakers, regulators, and industry leaders to advance equity and justice in the cannabis space.
Beyond her work at Marijuana Matters, Khadijah is a sought-after speaker and thought leader on cannabis policy and social equity. She has delivered keynote speeches and presentations at conferences and events around the country, and has been featured in a wide range of media outlets, including Forbes, NPR, and Politico.
Looking ahead, Khadijah is committed to continuing her work to advance equity and justice in the cannabis industry. She believes that the cannabis industry has the potential to be a powerful force for social and economic change, but only if it is built on a foundation of equity and inclusion. Through her work at Marijuana Matters and beyond, she is working to ensure that the cannabis industry lives up to its potential as a driver of positive change.