NJ filmmaker’s documentary examines cannabis legalization and its impact on Black Americans
“Smoke: Marijuana and Black America,” a two-hour documentary with appearances made by U.S. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and legendary rapper, Nas, premiered on BET on Wednesday.
It takes an in-depth look at the war on drugs and how marijuana legalization affects Black Americans. More specifically, it speaks about restorative justice and how Black. And brown folks are left out of the conversation when it comes to the legal cannabis industry.
Less than one percent of marijuana licenses in states that have legalized cannabis use go to African-Americans and Latinos, according to the film. It reflects on existing barriers to entry for minority business owners and people looking to get into the business.
The feature directed and executive produced by Bloomfield resident, and South Jersey native, Erik Parker. And comes on the heels of marijuana legalization in the Garden State.”There are all these issues that a lot of people not considered by most people on the sidelines. ” Parker told us Thursday.
“A lot of people don’t see all the nuances, the issues that surround this that will affect whole communities, in particular black and brown people in America,” Parker said. “That’s what inspired me.”
“Smoke” explores how African-Americans have disproportionately reprimanded for marijuana-related offenses, even as states continue to legalize recreational use. In New Jersey, this has been a sticking point for social and racial justice advocates. On average, police here arrest Black people 3.5 times more often than white people, according to the ACLU. Black and brown leaders have called on the state to institute a tax on licensed cannabis growers so that it can help repair the damages done to those most affected by the war on drugs.