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Cannabis—also known as marijuana, pot, or weed—has long been viewed through a lens of stigma, often associated with criminality or the stereotype of the carefree stoner. However, attitudes toward cannabis have shifted significantly in recent years, yet disparities remain in how different racial groups are treated regarding its use. Particularly, Black women face unique challenges and stigmas that their white counterparts do not, and this discrepancy is troubling.
The prevailing imagery surrounding cannabis users tends to depict either young white males as laid-back users or Black individuals as criminals. Rarely do we picture everyday women, like neighbors or CEOs, as cannabis consumers. Social media, however, reveals a growing number of women advocating for cannabis use, both recreationally and medicinally, as part of a wellness lifestyle. Yet, many Black women remain silent about their use due to the stigma attached to it and the potential for legal consequences, even in states where cannabis is legal.
Since the War on Drugs began in the 1960s, cannabis has been heavily criminalized within Black and brown communities. Despite the cannabis industry now being worth $61 billion, it is predominantly controlled by white men, leaving marginalized communities that historically faced penalties for cannabis use without a share in this emerging market. According to the ACLU, racial disparities in marijuana possession arrests persist, with Black users being 3.64 times more likely to be arrested for cannabis charges compared to their white peers.
In 2016, research indicated that over 90 percent of marijuana possession arrests in Atlanta involved African Americans, with Black women facing arrest at double the rate of white men. This pattern continues in other cities, highlighting a systemic issue that extends beyond mere policy into societal perceptions of Black women.
While some media portrayals of women using cannabis are becoming more common, they often exclude women of color from the narrative. Characters such as those in popular series like Weeds and Disjointed typically reinforce a narrow view of who cannabis users are, sidelining the experiences of Black women. As cannabis legalization spreads—36 states and 4 territories have legalized it for medical use, and 17 states plus Washington D.C. for recreational use—recognizing the unequal treatment of Black women in this context is vital.
As Ivy Ann Rosado noted, the legalization of cannabis must coincide with a broader cultural shift that includes women of color in the conversation. Queen Adesuyi emphasized that the issue transcends drug policy and speaks to societal perceptions of Black women. Therefore, while it is important to celebrate cannabis legalization, we must also acknowledge the disparities that persist.
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Summary
The article discusses the disparity in cannabis privilege between Black women and white women, emphasizing the historical context of cannabis criminalization in Black communities. It illustrates the ongoing stigma and legal risks Black women face regarding cannabis use, despite broader societal acceptance. The need for a cultural shift that includes women of color in cannabis narratives is highlighted, alongside the importance of acknowledging these disparities in the wake of legalization.