We live in very interesting times.  We are less than one month to a national election that has been volatile and dramatic throughout the very long campaign.

As we approach the final countdown, the national and local media has been focused on the top of the ticket but I believe that it is a precipice where social movements are influencing real change that is altering policy, economics and politics from the grassroots. Historically, when social change makes real change it’s not easy, it’s not quick, and it usually doesn’t go the way we planned; but that’s how change happens—slowly. Change from the ground up has a vital role in our economic and social growth, and even widespread enlightenment. And guess what, it’s happening!

As a CEO in the Cannabis Industry I find it very interesting to be a part of a social movement which has now created an industry and a growing, thriving economy that is creating jobs, taxes, and access to a necessary medicine. As part of my day-to-day role, I consult with legislators, regulators and analysts. I am consulted for my perspective on both state and federal policy and law making in regards to marijuana policy. Today, there are 26 states that have passed medical marijuana laws and four states that have adult use laws, also known as recreational.

With the upcoming November election, we could have 5 more states with recreational laws as well as another three legalizing medical use. This means that the solid majority of the United States adult population has passed the tipping point of marijuana use and acceptance. The real stalwart of change and its direct connection to the marijuana legalization movement is justice reform.

Justice Reform and Marijuana Legalization

The facts are clear. Prosecuting and jailing non-violent drug offenders is a waste of time, money and resources. We spend more than $20 BILLION a year on marijuana raids and arrests, which predominantly target minorities and inner cities. We also spend more than an additional $1 billion per year to incarcerate those same people.

How can states legalize and create an industry and NOT deal with decriminalization and justice reform?

Oregon is the ONLY state with a complete thought on this topic. Oregon expunged marijuana violations from citizens’ records. All of the states with adult use or recreational marijuana owe it to themselves, and the people sitting in jail to do the same thing some of us do on a daily basis, selling marijuana.

Those in the legal Cannabis Industry owe it to the country or state we live in to try and change our justice system, the same way we did fighting for the legalization of marijuana. As countries all of over the world reconsider and evaluate their drug laws and the United Nation deals with the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961, which sets forth drug laws on an international basis, we need to be a leader in this, not a follower.

The U.S. has a massive Opioid problem. What is our first instinct in solving this crisis? Throw money at it. The Federal government is spending $1 BILLION trying to figure out how to fix this problem.

The real solution is staring right at us. States that have legally regulated medical marijuana programs have a 25% lower Opioid problem in their state. Not a total solution, but maybe there are other ways than throwing money down the toilet.

This is the same to me as justice reform. As someone who is building a business born out of a social movement, I support others. Justice reform is a no brainer. However, it also isn’t the only answer.

Beyond Reform

Education needs to be part of justice reform. In addition, job opportunity’s need to be part of the solution as well. The Cannabis Industry and the entrepreneurs who are leading the charge also need to be responsible and accountable. Speaking for me, our company has a program called BE KIND, and its mission is to give back, help those in need and educate.

Addition through subtraction, this is what I call it. It’s actually very simple. If we look at the numbers closely and honestly, the Cannabis Industry could have $30-50 billion dollars in revenue, which would yield billions in taxes. Then we could save over $25 billion on incarceration, court, and enforcement costs. I am not saying marijuana or justice reform solves all of our budget issues, but it does help; maybe more college loans, maybe after school daycare, maybe better education, maybe access to art or music programs—it pays for something and turns into a positive.

All of us are standing at this intersection. The easy thing is to do nothing. Life is not easy and we should all remember the fight it took to get the industry where we are today. By not supporting and advocating for justice reform, we are selling ourselves and the country short. This is our chance to do the right thing for others, which has empowered us to do what we do today!