[Video] North Carolina Senator's Viral Campaign Ad Highlights Racial Injustice In Cannabis Laws, Ignites Legalization Debate

Author: Patricio Liddle | April 23, 2024 02:22pm

In a move to make cannabis legalization a central topic in this year’s state elections, North Carolina State Senator Graig Meyer (D) launched a striking campaign ad on Saturday to spotlight racial disparities in law enforcement. The ad, “Two Stops” illustrates the racially biased treatment of Black and white marijuana users by law enforcement, resonating widely with millions of views across platforms.

“Two Stops” And The Push For Cannabis Legalization

The ad features two fictional scenarios: a Black person is arrested for using marijuana and a white person who, after a similar encounter with the cops, is released and finishes his day playing golf. This stark portrayal aims to ignite discussions on racial inequality in law enforcement, an issue Meyer is emphasizing as he seeks a second term in the state Senate.

#420 Fact: Black and White folks use #marijuana at roughly equal rates. But Black folks are almost twice as likely to be arrested and convicted for possession. Don't let this video kill your buzz but… #ncpol 1/ pic.twitter.com/iwenajULkI

— Sen. Graig Meyer (@GraigMeyer) April 19, 2024

Senator Meyer is the lead sponsor of Senate Bill 346 proposing the legalization and taxation of cannabis in North Carolina. He advocates for the revenue from this tax to be reinvested in communities disproportionately affected by racist drug laws, reported QCity Metro. This initiative comes amid a growing presence of cannabis in national politics and campaign strategies.

North Carolina's Cannabis Landscape: Tribes At The Forefront

This legislative effort is further contextualized by recent developments within the state, including the historic opening of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ medical cannabis dispensary—the first and only legal cannabis purchase point in North Carolina. The dispensary’s launch on 4/20 is a significant step for the state, albeit limited to the Qualla Boundary under the tribe’s sovereignty.

Read also: Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Opens North Carolina’s First And Only Medical Marijuana Dispensary On 4/20

Legislative Challenges On The Path To Legalization

Despite the traction Meyer's campaign and legislative efforts are gaining, significant hurdles remain. North Carolina's constitution does not allow for ballot initiatives, necessitating a bipartisan consensus in a General Assembly dominated by Republicans. Meyer says he hopes that legalization will become a focal issue in upcoming state elections, including those for governor and attorney general.

Meyer also advocates for the expungement of records for individuals previously convicted of low-level cannabis offenses, aligning with broader criminal justice reform efforts.

Read also: 80% Of ‘Delta-8 THC’ Products In North Carolina Are Illegal & Mislabeled, Some Don’t Differ From Marijuana

Image captured from the “Two Stops” ad published on YouTube.