3 Experts Available For Timely Analysis on Marijuana Decriminalization Bill
This week, the House of Representatives is expected to vote on a bill to decriminalize marijuana. However, the bill -- known as the MORE Act -- faces roadblocks in the Senate. For reporters covering developments with this bill, the following experts are available to provide comments and analysis:
Berman taught the very first law school class on marijuana reform starting in 2013 and he is the co-author of the Carolina Academic Press casebook, Marijuana Law and Policy.
Quote: "As ever more states legalize marijuana use in some form, it is fitting the House of Representatives will vote again on a major marijuana reform bill called the MORE Act. But this House action seems unlikely to alter the political stalemate impeding any Senate action on marijuana reform."
Espinoza-Kulick's research focuses on Latinx and Indigenous migration, community health, queer of color and intersectional analysis, social movements, cultural productions, and decolonial methods. He is actively involved with community organizations that promote wellbeing, health, and equity for historically marginalized groups.
Quote: "The criminalization of cannabis has contributed to widespread inequities in policing and the negative characterization of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities. The legal barriers created by the criminal federal status of this substances creates particular barriers for Latinx immigrant communities to jobs and healthcare.”
Kumar's research harnesses the power of social computing, machine learning, and natural language analysis, grounded with insights from the social, behavioral, and clinical fields. His work explores the motivations for large US cannabis firms' participation in the cannabis space, and details cannabis use patterns at the dawn of US cannabis reform.
Quote: "Cannabis decriminalization has the potential to uplift vulnerable communities, and allow for a more progressive discussion on safer drug use without fear of stigma and reprisal."