  June marks a time of deep reflection and celebration as we recognize two pivotal observances: Juneteenth and Pride Month. Both moments in history remind us that progress is only real when it includes justice, healing, and opportunity for communities that have been historically excluded.
Next week, we commemorate Juneteenth, the day when the last enslaved people in the U.S. were informed of their emancipation. In the decades after slavery, the legal system was used to target and marginalize Black communities. That legacy includes national drug policies, especially those involving cannabis, that disproportionately harmed Black people.
The War on Drugs resulted in vastly unequal arrest rates. Black and Brown residents were more than three times as likely to be arrested for possession, leaving individuals and families to carry the burden of criminal records, economic exclusion, and stigma. In New Jersey, the 2020 ballot question to legalize cannabis was a step forward, but it's crucial to remember that justice is not only about changing laws — it’s about repairing harm.
That’s why the NJ-CRC is proud to lead with equity.
- We prioritize applicants with past cannabis convictions and those from minority-owned businesses to help ensure meaningful access to the industry.
- We host clinics to encourage enrollment in the Medicinal Cannabis Program, especially for communities historically excluded from healthcare and wellness resources.
- And we actively use our platform to challenge the outdated stigma around safe, responsible cannabis use.
The Commission remains committed to building a cannabis market that advances equity for Black communities, and for all people impacted by unjust policies.
 This month also brings Pride, a celebration of visibility, identity, and resilience for the LGBTQ+ community. Cannabis justice is inextricably linked to this history.
For decades, LGBTQ+ individuals have been at the forefront of cannabis advocacy — especially around its medicinal value. In the face of discrimination and limited healthcare access, many turned to cannabis to ease the symptoms of severe medical conditions, including HIV and AIDS. Despite immense social stigma and government neglect, the LGBTQ+ community’s leadership helped usher in national recognition of cannabis’s medical benefits.
That leadership left a lasting mark:
- The federal government approved two cannabis-based drugs to treat HIV-related symptoms in 1992 and again in 2016.
- And New Jersey included HIV and AIDS in the list of qualifying conditions from the very start of its Medicinal Cannabis Program.
Even years later, Black people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and cannabis users still face negative stigmas in many parts of America – including here in New Jersey. But I want to take this time to thank all three of these communities for their commitment, courage, and activism in fighting for a fairer and more open world – one rich in beauty, color, culture, and flair.
Commission Changes
The June 12th Commission meeting marked the final public meeting for Commissioners Samuel (Sam) Delgado and Maria Del Cid-Kosso. Sam Delgado served as Vice Chair and was a staunch supporter of businesses and entrepreneurs, often sharing stories from his time as a business owner to underscore the importance of grounding agency actions in real-world application. Meanwhile, Maria Del Cid‑Kosso, a dedicated public servant, brought deep policy expertise from her time at the NJ Department of Health and a passion for amplifying marginalized voices and promoting language accessibility. We thank both for their committed leadership in shaping a fair and responsible cannabis industry in New Jersey.
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