As recreational marijuana sales boom in Nevada, minorities are getting left out of the industry, activists say.
Marijuana use is nearly equal between white and black Americans. But black Americans are arrested nearly 3.5 times more for marijuana possession, according to the Brookings Institution. Marijuana convictions could prevent someone from obtaining a license to operate a dispensary. An applicant for a medical license would be ineligible if they have been convicted of a violent crime or a drug-related felony, including marijuana. It’s similar for recreational licenses. No one has been denied a license so far because of a past drug-related conviction, according to the Department of Taxation.
But recreational applications are only open to those with medical dispensaries already. Applications from the general public are open starting in November.