The popular ice cream chain “Ben and Jerry’s” released a statement and petition about racial injustice involving disparity between marijuana arrests among white and black Americans.
Today isn’t an official national or world holiday, but nonetheless, millions of stoners around the world celebrate what was once a secret holiday: 4/20. With an increasing number of states legalizing the use of marijuana for medical or recreational use despite federal laws, the holiday has more attention than ever.
Ben and Jerry’s used their social media platforms to point out an issue of racial injustice that is often discussed when talking about legalizing marijuana. Their Twitter post has over 20,000 retweets since they posted it a few hours ago.
It’s hard to celebrate 4/20 when so many people of color are still being arrested for pot. We have to do better. Learn more: https://t.co/DPCcqND0SI pic.twitter.com/fLsngGteOF
— Ben & Jerry's (@benandjerrys) April 20, 2019
“Let’s be clear: even with increased legalization, hundreds of thousands of people are still being arrested for pot. And most of those people are Black.” Ben and Jerry’s said in blog post on their website. “Black New York Cityresidents, for example, are 8 times more likely to be arrested for pot than whites.”
The ice cream company calls on Congress to make a change involving the millions of Americans whose lives have been negatively affected by a possession of marijuana charge.
“We’re calling on Congress to expunge prior marijuana convictions and provide pardons/amnesty to anyone whose only crime was possession of cannabis. Cities like San Francisco and Seattle are already doing it. It’s time to take this national.” Ben and Jerry’s says.
Their online petition has over 20,000 signatures so far.
