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California's cannabis reparations

Giving communities targeted in the 'war on drugs' a share in the legal cannabis boom

In California, cannabis is legal for recreational use and it’s created a multi-billion dollar industry. But who’s been reaping the rewards? For decades people from Black and Latino communities have been disproportionately arrested and imprisoned on cannabis drugs charges – and yet few appeared to benefit from the legal cannabis boom. So to make amends, California has been pioneering a policy to give those targeted in the war on drugs, a chance to share in the new cannabis industry. But is it working? Sharon Hemans has been to the city of Oakland to find out.

Photo: Local entrepreneur Julian Nelson at this cannabis delivery store in Oakland.

Presenter: Sharon Hemans
Producer: Alex Last
Sound mix by Neil Churchill
Series editor: Penny Murphy
Production Coordinator: Iona Hammond

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27 minutes

Last on

Thu 8 Dec 2022 21:06GMT

Broadcasts

  • Thu 8 Dec 2022 02:32GMT
  • Thu 8 Dec 2022 09:32GMT
  • Thu 8 Dec 2022 20:06GMT
  • Thu 8 Dec 2022 21:06GMT

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