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Cannabis Social Equity Programs: A Comparative Policy Analysis of the Current National Recreational and Medical Equity Framework

Juarez, Edwin V, Sr.
http://orcid.org/0009-0002-3434-2327
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1689853812490293

Abstract Details

2023, Master of City and Regional Planning, Ohio State University, City and Regional Planning.
The rapid expansion of the cannabis industry in the United States, in line with the recent wave of legalization, has not yielded consistent growth across all societal segments. Particularly, marginalized communities historically subjected to disparate cannabis-related law enforcement and legal penalties often find themselves excluded from this emergent economic sector. This thesis critically focuses on the role of Cannabis Social Equity Programs (CSEPs) in mitigating this historical imbalance and promoting inclusivity and diversity within the cannabis industry. The thesis delves into the historical context of cannabis prohibition, its disproportionate impacts on marginalized communities, predominantly ethnic and racial minorities, and how this context informs modern CSEPs. A comprehensive comparative analysis of three distinct CSEPs from Arizona, and Connecticut, and Ohio is undertaken. The analysis scrutinizes the diverse demographic profiles and unique approaches these states take toward cannabis legalization and regulation. Ohio's approach, which lacks a comprehensive CSEP, is used as a control. In contrast, both Arizona and Connecticut have adopted more substantial CSEPs that are explicitly aimed at aiding disproportionately impacted communities, embodying a strong sense of restorative justice. The focus of this thesis is to underline the efforts of these programs in rectifying historical injustices and creating a more inclusive cannabis industry, noting the variation in success. The thesis sheds light on the potential benefits and limitations of state-level initiatives, offering insights into factors contributing to their effectiveness or ineffectiveness. The thesis argues that appropriately designed and efficiently managed CSEPs have the potential to contribute significantly towards a more equitable cannabis industry. It promotes leveraging CSEPs for economic empowerment and targeted reinvestment in disadvantaged communities impacted by the War on Drugs. Furthermore, this thesis advocates for the establishment of a national cannabis organization. This entity could offer a platform for sharing best practices, aligning efforts, and ensuring an egalitarian infrastructure for state-level programs while respecting state autonomy in cannabis regulation. The insights and conclusions drawn from this thesis are critical to city planners, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and social justice advocates, offering a guide for designing and implementing future social equity programs within the cannabis industry and potentially other sectors.
Bernadette Hanlon (Advisor)
Jason Reece (Advisor)
65 p.
Alternative Medicine; Area Planning and Development; Land Use Planning; Minority and Ethnic Groups; Public Health; Social Research; Urban Planning
Cannabis; Social Equity Programs; War on Drugs; Restorative Justice; Barriers to Entry; City and Regional Planning

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Juarez, Sr., E. V. (2023). Cannabis Social Equity Programs: A Comparative Policy Analysis of the Current National Recreational and Medical Equity Framework [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1689853812490293

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Juarez, Sr., Edwin. Cannabis Social Equity Programs: A Comparative Policy Analysis of the Current National Recreational and Medical Equity Framework. 2023. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1689853812490293.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Juarez, Sr., Edwin. "Cannabis Social Equity Programs: A Comparative Policy Analysis of the Current National Recreational and Medical Equity Framework." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2023. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1689853812490293

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1689853812490293
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© 2023, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.