ICYMI: Big Weed Has a Problem. It's Big White.
All this week, we're replaying some of the team's favorite stories from 2021. Host Jacoby Cochran picked this story about Illinois' nascent cannabis industry. When state lawmakers legalized weed in 2019, they promised licenses and revenues would go to Black and brown communities hit hardest by the war on drugs. But cannabis remains dominated by white growers and sellers. And confusion remains, despite new legislation and additional rounds of dispensary license lotteries this summer. Chicago Sun-Times reporter Tom Schuba covers the marijuana industry. He explains the state of Illinois' cannabis social equity program. Jacoby also talks to a social equity applicant who was awarded licenses for cultivation and infusion.
This segment was originally published on Sept. 9, 2021.
Guests:
Tom Schuba — Reporter, Chicago Sun-Times
Willie "JR" Fleming — Founder, Hemp for Hoods
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