The Oregon Cannabis Equity Act goes before legislators

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The House Judiciary Committee reviewed the pending legislation yesterday

HB 3112, the Oregon Cannabis Equity Act, went through a deep review yesterday by the Oregon legislators at a House Judiciary Committee hearing. More than 80 individuals and groups joined forces for the creation of this bill, which demands that tax revenues must be used to help all those people and communities that have been harmed in some way by the criminalization of cannabis during all this time.

One of the main sponsors of the legislation, Representative Ricki Ruiz, has indicated that the use of these cannabis tax funds to repair any harm caused by excessive arrest and incarceration is an issue that should be addressed as soon as possible. He said of the bill, “We have a unique opportunity this session where we can truly make a difference in the lives of Oregonians who bore the brunt of cannabis criminalization for decades. The data is clear that Black, LatinX, and Indigenous Oregonians are often the targets of arrest and then suffer the consequences at a far greater rate than the population in general. By using cannabis tax revenues to help fund homeownership, job training, health care, and expungement, we can repair some of the damage done and immediately improve their lives.”

The hearing took place yesterday at 1:00 PM and all those interested had the opportunity to watch it online. Chief sponsors of HB 3112 include Representatives Julie Fahey, Mark Meek, Janelle Bynum, and Senators Kayse Jama and Ley Frederick. Frederick said, “The work we’ve done on criminal justice reform is a start at repairing the damage done by cannabis criminalization. But there is more work ahead. The expungement portion of HB 3112 will provide a much-needed fresh start for tens of thousands of Oregonians. And the direct investment in communities will provide a path forward for those who have been denied equal access to the economic system in our state and country today.”