THE equality ISSUE
THE WRECKAGE of the War on Drugs still reaches so far beyond our Cannabis community that there’s hardly an end in sight – but we’re here to highlight those making a change in our little corner of the world. It’s a world that reflects outside issues, yet its relative infancy means there may still be hope for setting higher standards of equity and equality.
leafmagazines.com
58
MSS OREGON
june 2022
The latest statistics from MJ Biz to Cannaclusive still show low levels of diversity across the board in our industry. Most surveys find that under 5% of the industry is Black-owned, for example. But there are large gaps in reporting and many folks don’t identify with the type of simplified identity categorizations presented. Like many issues, a little perspective can connect complicated ideas with the everyday impact on our fellow humans. We took some time to peek into the perspective of a Portlander, proud mother, plant-lover, and proponent of change: Tacarra Russell, better known as “Mss Oregon.” She’s been directly affected by the War on Drugs her whole life. But these days, she’s building something better for her family and community. “In Cannabis, we talk a lot about the War on Drugs and how it’s impacted families. But not often do we see those families actually highlighted in this industry,” says Tacarra.
Tacarra Russell | CEO & founder Diversify Portland & National Cannabis Diversity Awareness Convention
