A 2017 Star analysis found people of the African diaspora with no history of criminal convictions were three times more likely to be arrested by Toronto police for possession of small amounts of marijuana than white people with similar backgrounds.
James imagines a merit system that rewards retailers for employing individuals or supporting communities disproportionately affected by cannabis regulations in the past.
James says these small things could help pivot away from just owners reaping rewards from legalization and force multi-chain operators to provide greater considerations to different communities as well as expand employment pools beyond the current status quo.
Since April 1, many businesses have won the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario’s selection lottery for the right to open cannabis stores.
The Ministry of Attorney General said in a statement to the Star it didn’t have specialized employment measures in place for these stores nor has it considered a dedicated strategy for retail stores opening in certain neighbourhoods.
Ish Aderonmu, who was charged in Philadelphia for selling marijuana in 2010, has witnessed the upsurge in cannabis retail stores since moving back to Toronto.
The lack of conscious efforts for equity like the ones that Aderonmu and James yearn for could be what’s sustaining unlicensed retail stores that are still flourishing.