Dianna Houenou: A Heroine of the NJ Legalization of Cannabis
While we wait to celebrate the legalization of cannabis and what it means for communities of color, we recognize the hard work of the passionate men and women that have worked tirelessly to see it to light. One woman whose contributions cannot be overstated is Dianna Houenou, an inspiration for women and Black people throughout New Jersey.Ms. Houenou is one of the women that has been outspoken about the legalization of cannabis for years. She has built a career fighting for justice and equity in various aspects of social life. As a Black woman, she sees beyond the drug laws at the surface to their roots in racial prejudice.
Meet Ms. Houenou
Dianna Houenou served as Policy Counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Jersey, where she was a strong voice for equity as well as social and racial justice, especially with respect to the legalization of cannabis in New Jersey. Her work also involved coordinating the New Jersey United for Marijuana Reform coalition and analyzing policy and legal matters for ACLU campaigns.With a focus on immigrants' rights, criminal justice reform, and police reform, Ms. Houenou worked to influence legislative measures in the State of New Jersey. Her contributions went into the restoration of voting rights for people with criminal records, sponsored by Senator Ronald Rice; the use of independent prosecutors for death cases involving police officers, championed by Senate President Steve Sweeney; and undocumented students' eligibility for financial aid, which signed into law in 2018.
Cannabis Regulatory Commission
In November 2020, Ms. Houenou named head of the Cannabis Regulatory Commission by Governor Phil Murphy. And there's no one better suited for the job. Also serving as an associate counsel and senior policy advisor to Governor Murphy, she is in charge of defining New Jersey's cannabis laws and lessening the damaging effect of marijuana laws on communities of color, as well as advising on policies that concern criminal justice, immigrants' rights, military veterans, and community matters. Ms. Houenou is bent on encouraging the communities most affected by the "drug war" to get actively involved in the cannabis industry.Governor Murphy has hailed Ms. Houenou's work with ACLU and expressed his confidence in her ability to chair the state's efforts to build a recreational marijuana trading arena that is fair and embraces all communities. According to him, there's no doubt about "her commitment to doing what's right and to leaving no one behind," and we agree.Dianna Houenou Houenou developed an interest in drug policy back in law school after noticing the inequalities in drug-related convictions. In her words, she began to "connect the dots from earlier in life," noticing patterns of racial injustice. Although she realizes that it would take a lot of work to reform drug policies. She is bent on changing the narrative, beginning with cannabis.
Echoes of Hope for People of Color in the NJ Cannabis Industry
At this crucial time of the legalization of cannabis, it's quite promising to see that there's a strong Black woman behind the wheel of progress, standing for justice and reform.Ms. Houenou's words are full of assurance and hope: "The opportunities that lay ahead are limitless. And I look forward to seizing them for the benefit of New Jersey's communities that have been disproportionately harmed by failed past policies."We look forward to seeing her in action, too, with the Black woman magic! Just a glance at what she has accomplished so far is enough to inspire confidence. That the Cannabis Regulatory Commission is in the right hands.