“The RI Legislative Black and Latino Caucus is pleased that many of the social justice and social equity concerns that come with legalized recreational cannabis were addressed within the legislation passed by the General Assembly last night. In particular, the automatic expungement process for personal possession convictions and the inclusion of one license in each of the six districts for a social equity licensee, and another in each district for a co-op, are important steps to righting the historic wrongs done to communities that have long been disproportionately affected by cannabis prohibition.
We are happy that our colleagues in the Assembly supported these important provisions in the bill that will help reduce the effects of generational poverty and mass incarcerations in Rhode Island’s community of color,” said Chairwoman Alzate.
The Rhode Island Legislative Black and Latino Caucus represents and advocates for the interests of disadvantaged people throughout the State of Rhode Island. It seeks to increase a diverse participation and representation in all levels of government. The goal is to close, and ultimately to eliminate, disparities that still exist between white and non-white Americans in every aspect of life.