Federal prohibition -> deportations

CANNABIS & IMMIGRATION
500k people deported for drug offenses since 2002, over 47k for cannabis

What happened: A new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) and the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) reveals that federal drug prohibition led to the deportation of over 500,000 immigrants between 2002 and 2020, with many deported for offenses no longer criminalized under state laws, significantly affecting immigrant families. 

Of these drug charges, over 47,000 were related to cannabis possession. 

What they’re saying: “Drug reform policies are not inclusive and equitable unless they address harms to immigrants,” Maritza Perez Medina, DPA's director of federal affairs, said.

“Why should parents or grandparents be deported away from children in their care for decades-old drug offenses, including offenses that would be legal today?” Vicki Gaubeca, HRW’s associate US director for immigration and border policy, said.

Back up: Federal immigration laws have remained unchanged and punitive towards drug offenses since the 1980s, despite many states reforming their drug laws, including decriminalizing or even legalizing cannabis.

This discrepancy leads to the continuous deportation of immigrants for minor drug offenses, which are often no longer criminal under state law. Federal laws ignore state-level reforms and continue to impose severe penalties on immigrants.

It’s a real human consequence of the conflict between state and federal laws on cannabis.

Why it matters: The continued deportation of immigrants for drug offenses not only undermines state-level reforms, but also perpetuates racial discrimination — the report highlights the disproportionate impact on Black and Brown immigrants — and contributes to family separation by destabilizing communities. 

Current policies do not reflect the shift in public opinion towards more humane drug policies, especially surrounding cannabis, the report says. 

What’s next: HRW and DPA say it’s imperative that federal law aligns with state-level drug reform to prevent unnecessary suffering and the disruption of immigrant lives.

They recommend giving more discretion to immigration judges in deportation cases, and even suggest applying state drug laws to noncitizens.  

-CB

“The SAFER Banking Act could pave the way for more widespread marijuana use and federal legalization,” Republican VP nominee JD Vance said in a letter to a constituent about why he voted against the cannabis banking bill. 

“The Department of Justice also noted that this bill could facilitate money laundering. I am worried that this could open the door for other illicit activities, like the trafficking of fentanyl and methamphetamines, to access depository insurance.”

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The Community Grants Reinvestment Fund (CGRF), supported by taxes on New York cannabis consumers, puts funds back in the hands of communities most harmed by prohibition. 

This year, the CGRF will focus on programs that support priority initiatives provided by the Cannabis Advisory Board (CAB) — mental health, housing, and workforce development. Applicants must serve youth (0-24 years of age) in one of these three areas. 

You can view the whole July 10 CCB/OCM board meeting. 

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Congress accidentally legalized weed six years ago | The Atlantic 

L.A. cannabis industry insiders say social equity program ‘failed’ | Green Market Report

In a New York state of mind | Cannabitch