Washington state legislators are removing the word “marijuana” from state laws and using “cannabis” in its place!

Most recently, Washington state lawmakers passed legislation to eliminate the word “marijuana” in several parts of the revised Code of Washington. The bill, titled House Bill 1210, will replace the word “marijuana” with the term “cannabis” in every state statute. The law officially went into effect on March 11, 2022, with changes coming into effect in June 2022.

Melanie Morgan, the Legislative Supporter and Washington State Representative, told the House that the term “marijuana” has racial undertones. She confirmed that recreational marijuana use has been increasingly attributed to Mexican immigrants. Hence, the word “marijuana” takes on a racist and pejorative connotation. She went on to say that although the word seems simple as it is just a single word, such a move is part of righting the wrongs done to browns and blacks over cannabis use.

Racist words in the constitution

According to Morgan, the term “marijuana” was first used by Federal Bureau of Narcotics Pioneer Commissioner Harry Anslinger. Aslinger was the man primarily responsible for passing the 1937 Marijuana Tax Act. This tax law marked the beginning of marijuana prohibition in the United States.

Morgan quoted Aslinger’s words and explained why he believed cannabis to be the most violent type of drug in human history. Aslinger pointed out at the time that the majority of cannabis users were Hispanic, Negro, Caribbean, and various entertainers. He spread the word that swing and jazz music was satanic due to cannabis use. Indeed, Aslinger was a racist enforcer who made such claims without scientific support.

In support of Morgan, another Washington state representative, Emily Wicks, reiterated that passage of the bill will help shape and educate new perspectives on cannabis. Joy Hollingsworth, CEO and founder of the Hollingsworth Cannabis Company, confirmed in an interview with KIRO TV News that this is also a welcome development. She reiterated that “marijuana” really is an unwelcome word for many people in various black and brown communities.

Hollingsworth added that the term “marijuana” has always been debated within communities as a word demonizing cannabis. A word Hollingsworth herself learned from her mother about its negative association.

Hollingsworth confirmed that it was her mother who enlightened her on the derogatory use of the word and why such a term should not be used by her and her siblings. She went on to say that many individuals in the black community have served and continue to serve prison sentences for cannabis use, in part because of cannabis’ derogatory reputation.

Hollingsworth reiterated that passage of House Bill 1210 was a positive step forward. However, she also claimed that she would like to see more efforts from the legislature regarding the social justice of cannabis. She also claimed that a win is a win and that they will gladly take it. But they should not get into the euphoria of a performative action of justice. She believes that more action and actual changes in policy and legislation should follow, as it shouldn’t just be mere words from lawmakers.

According to Hollingsworth, investing cannabis taxes in communities disproportionately affected by the war on drugs would be a great idea. She added that communities of color will really feel the positive impact of the industry as funds go toward college scholarships.

Hollingsworth believes a home loan will also make a big difference, especially for families looking to buy a home in Seattle’s Central District. Hollingsworth’s ideas are just creative ways that she honestly believes the industry’s impact is really being felt in the black community. She insists that’s exactly what she wants.

Proponents support bill and cannabis industry

Passing House Bill 1210 was no easy feat. However, thanks to the support of industry representatives and national and state interest groups for cannabis reform, the goal was achieved. Among industry representatives, a notable group is the retail group called the Craft Cannabis Coalition (CCC). The company is based in Tacoma and has actively supported the law since its inception.

According to Adán Espino Jr., CCC’s executive director, the association is excited to support social justice in the marijuana industry. He reiterated in the email sent to Center Square that the group truly understands the damage the war on drugs has caused and that the bill is a positive step in the right direction. Espino Jr. went on to say that while the group understands the transition from the word “marijuana” to “cannabis,” the company doesn’t attach much importance to the word “marijuana.” He added that as the industry continues to grow and reach new heights of professionalism, if the word “marijuana” isn’t needed anymore, then so be it.

A member of NCIS’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Tiffany Watkins, also noted the need for Washington to make reasonable efforts towards social justice throughout the cannabis industry. Tiffany confirmed via email that now is the time for lawmakers to permanently drop terms with racial overtones. She believes that replacing “marijuana” with “cannabis” is a positive development, there is still so much to be done to right the wrongs of the war on drugs.

She added that more power should be directed at states with over a decade of cannabis operations without social justice programs. Without a social justice program, the barriers to entry that people of color face can never be recognized or identified.

Regarding social justice in Washington’s cannabis industry, the 2020 state legislature established a task force. The goal of the task force is to create recommendations and guidelines that would support the state’s cannabis industry. The panel is currently drafting several proposals to offer social justice grants to applicants. The grants are designed to help fund the licensing and creation of new cannabis businesses in the state.

Conclusion

Certainly, replacing the term “marijuana” with the term “cannabis” in every state law is a positive step in the right direction. But just as Hollingsworth asserted, more needs to be done or this will just be a performative direction from the legislature.

If this House Bill 1210 is going to have any impact, action and actual changes in policy and legislation should follow, as they shouldn’t just be mere words from legislators

MORE ABOUT MARIJUANA OR CANNABIS, READ THIS..

IF YOU THINK MARIJUANA IS A RACIST WORD, DOES THAT MAKE YOU A RACIST?