Search Engine Why are there so many illegal weed stores in New York City? (Part 1)
9 snips
Mar 29, 2024 
Join Willie Mack, co-founder of Frank White and a champion for minority inclusion in the cannabis world, alongside Alex Norman, a former operator in the legacy cannabis market. They dive into the surge of illegal weed shops in New York City following legalization. Mack and Norman discuss the historical roots of prohibition, the clash between stringent regulations and rampant illegal sales, and share personal stories from the evolving cannabis landscape. Learn about the implications for equity in the industry and the challenges of regulating this booming market.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Racist History of 'Marijuana'
- Willie Mack prefers the term "cannabis" over "marijuana" due to the latter's racist history.
- "Marijuana" was popularized in the 1920s to associate cannabis with Mexican immigrants and Black people.
Cannabis and Marginalized Groups
- Linking cannabis to marginalized groups has been a recurring tactic to demonize the plant.
- In the early 1900s, its use among Mexican refugees and "lower-class whites" caused alarm.
Rockefeller's Drug Laws
- In 1973, Governor Rockefeller introduced harsh drug laws in New York, including a 15-year sentence for possessing one ounce of weed.
- He argued that targeting dealers was crucial as they constantly found new users, making treatment ineffective.