Cannabis equity isn’t working

For years, progressive cannabis activists have called for “equity.” They mean that the communities of color who have suffered most from the war on drugs and mass incarceration should profit from the industry’s rise. It’s an admirable idea that has proven very difficult to implement.   

Many cities and states have set up programs designed to benefit cannabis businesses owned by people of color. They typically offer some combination of access to capital, mentoring and preferential licensing. While a smattering of shops and brands have opened under these arrangements, they represent only a tiny fraction of . . .