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Here's What NBA Superstars Can Do To Help End Cannabis Stigma

By Johnny GreenAug 30, 2021

Johnny Green

Bio coming soon!

Here's What NBA Superstars Can Do To Help End Cannabis Stigma

In mid-August news broke that National Basketball Association (NBA) superstar Kevin Durant had struck a deal with cannabis technology company Weedmaps.

The deal was described as a ‘strategic partnership’ by the parties involved, and that one of the main goals of the multi-year agreement is to ‘deconstruct the negative stereotypes’ regarding cannabis and sports.

It’s no secret that many professional sports leagues have taken a harsh stance against players consuming cannabis, including and especially the NBA.

The NBA has punished numerous players for failing cannabis tests and/or getting caught with cannabis away from their teams, as well as subsequently smearing those players in the media, and that has clearly added to cannabis’s stigma in professional sports.

One of the most noteworthy recipients of such punishments and smearing was my close friend Clifford ‘Uncle Cliffy’ Robinson (rest in peace).

Clifford played in the NBA for 18 seasons and racked up numerous accomplishments along the way. He was the ‘Sixth Man of the Year’ in 1993, an All-Star in 1994, and was selected to the All-Defensive Team two times later in his career. Uncle Cliffy is the onlyNBA player to rack up over 1,400 steals, over 1,350 blocks, and over 1,250 three-pointers. Clifford rarely missed games, and currently ranks 13th overall in NBA history for most games played.

Yet, despite all of those accomplishments, to many NBA fans, Clifford will forever be known as ‘that pothead.’ To be clear, my friend was never shy or ashamed about his cannabis use and never showed up to practice or games under the influence.

However, Robinson could never understand why he was so often measured by the nanograms of THC in his bodily fluids rather than what he did on the court. He was likely not alone among NBA players penalized for cannabis and confused by the perplexity of this stigma-driven dynamic.

Evolving NBA Cannabis Policy

Fortunately for current NBA players, league cannabis policy is trending in the right direction and Durant’s cannabis deal with Weedmaps is the latest evidence of that.

It wasn’t that long ago when an active NBA player signing a deal with a cannabis company, even an ancillary company, would have been frowned upon by the league and the deal likely prevented out of a perceived fear regarding what it could do to the NBA’s reputation.

However, times are changing. Currently the NBA does not randomly test its players for cannabis use. That temporary policy was first instituted at the end of the 2019-2020 season as the pandemic was ramping up and the NBA went to a ‘bubble’ league model. Citing the ongoing pandemic, the NBA agreed with the National Basketball Player’s Association to continue that temporary policy through the 2020-2021 season. It’s obviously a good move by the NBA, however, it doesn’t go far enough.

The NBA has not conducted a random test on any of its players to detect cannabis use for quite a while now, and clearly there’s no negative impact on the league or its players. Not only does that serve as justification for the NBA making the policy permanent, it also demonstrates that the league could have refrained from testing this whole time and that the sky would have still remained intact over NBA arenas.

Reducing Stigma Requires Apologizing For the Past

Kevin Durant’s recent cannabis industry deal is significant being that he is an active player and a superstar at that; it will help reduce stigma with cannabis and the NBA.

However, there will always be some amount of stigma as long as the NBA does not atone for its sins of the past.

Even if the NBA permanently removed cannabis from its banned substance list like some other leagues have already done, there would still be stigma.

Back in 2017, retired (1984-2014) NBA Commissioner David Stern stated that cannabis should be removed from the league’s banned substance list, citing a ‘shifting public attitude towards cannabis.’

Stern had previously justified cannabis prohibition in the NBA citing ‘player health and safety’ and ‘perception of the league.’ At no point did David Stern state that league cannabis policy should change because it was harmful, and that the league’s policy was based on political opinion and not actual science.

Allowing current players to strike deals in the cannabis industry is a great thing. If cannabis policy permanently changes in the NBA that will be an even greater great thing.

However, neither of those things will end the stigma regarding cannabis and the NBA unless coupled with an unequivocal, sincere apology from the NBA to players that were subjected to the league’s harmful cannabis policy, which has been in place for many decades.

Anything short of that level of apology from the NBA will result in two categories of NBA players – current players that are not subjected to stigma, and former players that will forever be subjected to stigma.

Obviously, the NBA is not going to take it upon themselves to make such an apology. Instead, it will take active and retired players demanding it, and the players who are benefitting from the legal industry need to be the ones that lead the effort.

Anything short of that happening, and there will always be cannabis stigma associated with professional sports to some degree, including and especially in the NBA.

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Jimi Hendrix - The Bluntness

The record Jimi Hendrix listened to on his first acid trip - The Bluntness

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Jimi's legendary first trip

Picture the scene: it’s January 3rd 1966, in New York City, and a young Jimi Hendrix has just sent his father in Seattle an Empire State Building postcard admitting that the grass is not in fact greener on the other side and “every thing so-so on this big, raggedy city”. Although he doesn’t know it yet, Hendrix’s life is about to change seismically with the introduction of LSD.

Having spent four years residing in the Big Apple as a permanently broke musician, Hendrix had experienced his fair share of Black juke joints and clubs around the continent. Despite the gruelling nature of the ‘chitlin circuit’, comprising venues in the eastern, southern, and upper Midwest areas of the United States, Hendrix honed his craft by borrowing crowd-pleasing techniques from T-Bone Walker and Buddy Guy. A couple of these antics included the signature Hendrix trick of playing guitar behind his head and with his teeth.

It wasn’t until May 1966 that the future guitar-playing prodigy began to cause ripples on the surface of rock music, as he met with Linda Keith, the girlfriend of Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards. Each of them a blues enthusiast, the couple had travelled to New York to scour the city’s vast blues scene ahead of The Stones’ fifth US tour.

Accompanying Curtis Knight in his band The Squires, Hendrix’s voyeuristic guitar performance stunned Keith and her boyfriend as they witnessed the soon-to-be star entertain at the Cheetah Club on Broadway and 53rd Street. It would not be long until Keith made an impression on the young Hendrix, known by the name of Jimmy James at the time, as she showered him with compliments before inviting him to her apartment on 63rd Street.

Before LSD became illegal in the United States in 1997, the psychedelic drug was an A-lister’s gateway to a good time. Prior to that evening, Hendrix had only dabbled in class C drugs like marijuana and cheap speed. Little did he know that Keith possessed the key to mind-blowing new perspectives in the form of acid, and despite initially confusing acid to be a different drug to LSD, Hendrix didn’t hesitate when Keith offered it to him.

- YouTubewww.youtube.com

Although substance use is not a proactive pastime and can have severe consequences if abused, it can’t be denied that the greatest musicians of the 1960s would not have produced the quality of sounds they created without the influence of drugs. It is a well-documented fact that The Beatles were connoisseurs of psychedelic substances during this time and began experimenting with the drug during the Rubber Soul sessions.

Just as the Liverpudlian quartet was led down the mind-bending pathways of various acid trips, Hendrix, too, became absorbed by the drug’s effects on his creativity. Upon taking the drug for the first time, he recalls looking in the mirror to see Marilyn Monroe smiling back at him. The red velvet velour decor of Keith’s New York apartment was also highlighted to Hendrix during this experience, and it became the focal point for his later song ‘Red House’ taken from Are You Experienced, released in 1967.

In the song, Hendrix sings, “There’s a red house over yonder / That’s where my baby stays”. In response to ‘Red House’, Keith played the guitar virtuoso Bob Dylan’s seventh studio album, Blonde On Blonde, which became a sonic reminder to Hendrix of his first visceral drug experience. A month later, Hendrix paid homage to his unforgettable first trip with Keith by covering Dylan’s ‘Like A Rolling Stone’ live.

This article originally appeared in Far Out Magazine.

Comprehensive Glossary of Cannabis Terminology - The Bluntness

Cannabis Terminology - The Bluntness

Photo by Margo Amala on Unsplash

Are You Ready to Master Cannabis Lingo? Explore Essential Terms Now

This glossary covers key cannabis-related terms that can help consumers better understand the industry, products, and their effects. Whether you're new to cannabis or looking to deepen your knowledge, these definitions offer clarity on common terms you might encounter.

This glossary covers key cannabis-related terms that can help consumers better understand the industry, products, and their effects. Whether you're new to cannabis or looking to deepen your knowledge, these definitions offer clarity on common terms you might encounter.

A

Adult-Use Cannabis: Cannabis consumed recreationally by adults over a legal age (usually 21+), as opposed to for medical purposes.
Aroma: The smell of a particular cannabis strain, which can range from earthy, sweet, or citrusy to skunky or piney. Terpenes influence the aroma.
Autoflowering: A type of cannabis plant that automatically switches from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage based on age rather than light cycles.

B

BHO (Butane Hash Oil): A concentrated form of cannabis made by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes using butane. Also known as dabs or wax.
Bud: The flower of the cannabis plant that contains the highest concentration of cannabinoids like THC and CBD. This is the part most commonly consumed.
Budtender: A staff member at a dispensary who is knowledgeable about cannabis products and helps consumers select products that meet their needs.

C

Cannabinoids: The chemical compounds found in cannabis that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, producing various effects. The most common are THC and CBD.
CBD (Cannabidiol): A non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is widely used for its therapeutic properties, such as reducing anxiety, pain, and inflammation.
Concentrates: Cannabis products that have been processed to extract cannabinoids and terpenes, resulting in highly potent forms like oils, wax, and shatter.
Cultivar: A specific strain of cannabis bred for certain characteristics, such as THC or CBD content, terpene profile, or growth pattern. Used interchangeably with "strain."
Cannabis Sativa: A subspecies of cannabis known for its energizing, cerebral effects and higher levels of THC. Sativa strains are often recommended for daytime use.

D

Dabbing: A method of consuming cannabis concentrates by vaporizing them on a hot surface (dab rig) and inhaling the vapor.
Decarboxylation: The process of heating cannabis to activate THC and CBD, converting them from their acidic forms (THCA and CBDA) to their active forms.
Dispensary: A licensed retail location where consumers can legally purchase cannabis products, whether for recreational or medical use.

E

Edibles: Cannabis-infused food or drink products, such as gummies, chocolates, or beverages, that are consumed orally. They can take longer to take effect but may last longer than inhaled forms.
Endocannabinoid System (ECS): A biological system within the body that interacts with cannabinoids to regulate various physiological processes, including mood, appetite, and pain.
Entourage Effect: The theory that cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds in cannabis work together synergistically to enhance their effects.

F

Full-Spectrum: A cannabis extract that contains a wide range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds, rather than isolating a single component like THC or CBD.
Flower: Another term for the bud of the cannabis plant, which is typically dried, cured, and used for smoking or vaporizing.
Flushing: A cultivation technique where growers stop using nutrients and flush the cannabis plants with water near the end of the growing cycle to improve the taste and quality of the buds.

G

Grinder: A device used to break down cannabis flowers into smaller, evenly sized pieces for rolling into joints or using in pipes or vaporizers.
Greenout: A term used to describe a negative experience from consuming too much cannabis, often leading to nausea, dizziness, or anxiety.

H

Hash (Hashish): A concentrated form of cannabis made by compressing trichomes (resin glands) into a solid or paste-like substance.
Hemp: A variety of the Cannabis sativa plant that contains very low levels of THC (less than 0.3%) and is used for industrial purposes, such as making textiles, paper, and CBD products.
Hybrid: A cannabis strain that is a cross between two or more different strains, often blending the effects of sativa and indica varieties.

I

Indica: A subspecies of cannabis known for its relaxing, body-focused effects. Indica strains are often used in the evening or for managing pain, insomnia, or anxiety.
Infusion: The process of incorporating cannabis into other products, such as oils, butters, or beverages, allowing for ingestion in different forms.
ISO (Isolate): A purified form of cannabis concentrate that contains a single cannabinoid, like CBD isolate, without any other cannabinoids, terpenes, or compounds.

J

Joint: A cannabis cigarette, typically rolled in paper and smoked.
Kief: The powdered form of trichomes that fall off cannabis flowers, which can be collected and used for added potency in smoking or making concentrates.

L

Landrace Strain: A pure cannabis strain that has developed naturally in a specific geographic location without human intervention. Examples include Afghan and Thai strains.
Live Resin: A type of cannabis concentrate made by flash-freezing freshly harvested cannabis to preserve the terpenes and cannabinoids before extraction, resulting in a more flavorful and aromatic product.

M

Microdosing: The practice of consuming small amounts of cannabis to experience its benefits without feeling overly intoxicated or experiencing strong psychoactive effects.
Moon Rocks: A highly potent cannabis product made by dipping cannabis buds in hash oil and then rolling them in kief, resulting in an ultra-high THC product.

N

Nug: Slang for a small, high-quality piece of cannabis flower. Nugs are typically dense and full of trichomes.
Nanoemulsion: A technology used in cannabis edibles and beverages that breaks cannabinoids down into nanoparticles, allowing for faster absorption and quicker onset of effects.

O

Oil: A concentrated cannabis product typically consumed through vaping, dabbing, or oral ingestion. Cannabis oils can be made with different extraction methods, such as CO2 or ethanol extraction.
OG: Short for “Ocean Grown,” or "Original Gangsta" depending on where you're coming from, often used to describe high-quality or original cannabis strains, such as OG Kush.

P

Phenotype: The observable traits of a cannabis plant, influenced by both its genetic makeup and environmental factors such as light, temperature, and nutrients.
Pre-roll: A cannabis joint that has been rolled and prepared in advance for purchase and consumption.
Psychoactive: Refers to substances like THC that affect the mind, altering mood, perception, or consciousness.

R

Rosin: A solventless cannabis concentrate created by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flowers or hash, squeezing out resin.
Ruderalis: A lesser-known subspecies of cannabis that is naturally autoflowering and has low levels of THC. It is often bred with sativa or indica strains to create hybrids.

S

Sativa: A cannabis subspecies known for its uplifting, energizing effects. Sativa strains are often recommended for daytime use or creative activities.
Shatter: A glass-like cannabis concentrate that is brittle and easy to break into pieces. It is popular for dabbing due to its high potency.
Solventless: Refers to cannabis concentrates made without the use of chemical solvents, typically through methods like heat, pressure, or ice water extraction.
Strain: A specific variety of cannabis, each with its own unique cannabinoid and terpene profile that produces specific effects and aromas.

T

Terpenes: Aromatic compounds found in cannabis (and other plants) that contribute to a strain’s flavor and aroma profile. They also interact with cannabinoids and may influence the effects of cannabis.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): The primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis that produces the feeling of being “high.”
Tincture: A liquid cannabis extract, typically made with alcohol or oil, that is consumed sublingually (under the tongue) or mixed with food or drinks.
Topicals: Cannabis-infused creams, balms, or lotions applied directly to the skin for localized relief of pain, inflammation, or skin conditions without causing a psychoactive effect.

V

Vape Cartridge (Vape Cart): A pre-filled container of cannabis oil used with a vaporizer or vape pen. Vape cartridges offer a portable and discreet way to consume cannabis.
Vaporizer (Vape): A device that heats cannabis or its concentrates to a temperature at which the cannabinoids and terpenes turn into vapor but not high enough to combust the plant material.

W

Wax: A type of cannabis concentrate with a soft, waxy texture. It is typically consumed via dabbing or vaporizing.
Whole Plant Extract: A cannabis extract that includes a full range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds from the entire cannabis plant, believed to deliver the entourage effect.

Z

Zkittlez: A popular cannabis strain known for its fruity, candy-like aroma and a mix of euphoric and relaxing effects.

This glossary is a resource for cannabis consumers looking to navigate the diverse and evolving world of cannabis. Whether you're seeking recreational use or therapeutic benefits, understanding these terms can help you make informed decisions.

If you feel we missed some terms, feel free to DM us on social to add your cannabis terms to the list.

40 Tons Enters Minnesota’s Legal Market with their First Direct-to-Consumer THC Edible in Partnership with Minny Grown

40 Tons Enters Minnesota’s Legal Market with their First Direct-to-Consumer THC Edible in Partnership with Minny Grown

40 Tons and Minny Grown Forge Groundbreaking Partnership to Advance Social Equity in Minnesota

In a significant step forward for their restorative justice-focused approach in the cannabis industry, 40 Tons, a pioneering multi-state social equity brand known for its relentless advocacy for individuals with past cannabis convictions, has unveiled an exciting partnership with Minny Grown, Minnesota’s esteemed cannabis innovator.

In a landmark move that epitomizes the fusion of commerce and social justice, 40 Tons, a leader in mission-driven cannabis initiatives, has joined forces with Minnesota's cannabis innovator, Minny Grown. This partnership marks the launch of 40 Tons’ first direct-to-consumer THC product line in Minnesota, featuring a selection of uniquely flavored delta-9 THC gummies: Root Beer, Sour Lemonade, Mango Orange, and Mojito.

This collaboration not only showcases 40 Tons’ innovative spirit but also underlines its commitment to advancing real social equity within the cannabis sector. Founded amidst personal adversity and shaped by the injustices of the War on Drugs, 40 Tons has consistently pushed beyond mere advocacy to effect tangible social change. "Our flavors are a tribute to the unconventional paths that justice-impacted individuals tread. Each product we create carries a piece of our story, a story of resilience," stated Loriel Alegrete, CEO of 40 Tons.

The partnership debut in Minnesota is a continuation of 40 Tons’ strategic expansion, following significant contributions to social justice in the cannabis industry across multiple states, including a notable presence in New York alongside HPI Canna. The New York venture has been marked by community-focused initiatives such as recruitment drives and social activism, embedding 40 Tons deeply within the local cannabis culture.

"Our collaboration with Minny Grown is not just about entering a new market. It’s about setting a new standard on how a cannabis business can operate with a conscience," emphasized Zach Rohr, CEO of Minny Grown. Both leaders highlight that this venture extends beyond selling THC products—it’s about creating a supportive network that includes employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals and continuous support for those still affected by cannabis-related legal issues.

40 Tons is rolling out an exclusive line of hemp-derived delta-9 THC gummies in partnership with Minny Grown, marking 40 Tons‘ ambitious entry into Minnesota’s legal market and its first venture into the direct-to-consumer space.

With the launch, 40 Tons also introduces a novel letter-writing campaign, inviting consumers to connect with inmates, thereby humanizing and supporting those still ensnared in legal struggles. "We see this as a way to bridge the gap between our consumers and those we aim to help. Every gummy sold supports our broader mission to empower and uplift communities broken by outdated laws," added Corvain Cooper, Chief Brand Ambassador of 40 Tons, marking the date as particularly significant as it coincides with the anniversary of his release from a life sentence due to cannabis.

As 40 Tons and Minny Grown forge ahead with their innovative venture, they not only offer Minnesotans a new way to experience THC but also pioneer a model for integrating social justice into the cannabis industry. The endeavor is a testament to the transformative power of aligned visions in achieving societal betterment through business.

40 Tons is rolling out an exclusive line of hemp-derived delta-9 THC gummies in partnership with Minny Grown, marking 40 Tons‘ ambitious entry into Minnesota’s legal market and its first venture into the direct-to-consumer space.

For further details on these transformative THC edibles and to support this noble cause, visit 40tonsproducts.com or contact info@40tons.co.

The Bluntness Holiday Gift Guide Roundup 2023

The Bluntness Holiday Gift Guide Roundup 2023

The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide Roundup - Cannabis Edition

From the perfect strains to stylish accessories, The Bluntness has got your cannabis-loving friends and family covered with a round-up of some of the best cannabis-centric gift guides around.

'Tis the season to elevate your gifting game with our ultimate Cannabis Holiday Gift Guide round-up. From the perfect strains to stylish accessories, The Bluntness has got your cannabis-loving friends and family covered with a round-up of some of the best cannabis-centric gift guides around. Let's make this holiday a high holiday!

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How the war on drugs impacts communities of color

How the war on drugs impacts communities of color

The Impact of the War on Drugs on Communities of Color

By unpacking the interconnected and cascading consequences of the War on Drugs, we can see clearly how communities hit hardest by drug criminalization have reaped the fewest benefits of medicalization.

Guest Contributors: Torian Easterling and Jahmila Edwards

Racial inequities in New York State have long existed, fueled in part by structural racism, and longstanding and chronic divestments stemming from federal and state laws. These inequities shape many facets of communities and individuals, including access to high quality, preventative healthcare. In New York specifically, the inaccessibility of healthcare translates into a lack of medical cannabis for otherwise deserving patients.

New York is correctly prioritizing the expansion of medical cannabis alongside growing the adult-use market. This will help individuals who are currently in the medical cannabis program and can expand education and access to individuals and communities who have been disproportionately impacted by racist policies, if properly invested. However, as with everything in cannabis, the equitable solution is more complicated than just approving licenses to qualified medical cannabis operators. Before providing a suggested solution, let’s unpack the impact of racially biased anti-drug policies on communities of color and low-income communities across New York State.

Incarceration and Financial Stability

Interactions with the criminal justice system are shown to increase unemployment, a reliance on alternative and often lower quality jobs, and a sustained loss of earnings. Because of drug-war policies nationally and in New York (most notably the Rockefeller Drug Laws), a significant portion of those incarcerated have been drug offenders, particularly members of Black and Latinx communities. Misdemeanor arrests played a significant role in drug-war and related quality of life policing strategies popularized throughout New York and were often connected to higher rates of pretrial detentions which drive unemployment and lost income.

Additionally, it is important to note one particular impact: the startlingly high rate of imprisoning women and mothers. In New York, the female jail and prison population increased by 190% and 272% respectively between 1980 and 2017, driven in no small part by drug convictions. By 1999, women of color comprised 91% of women convicted of drug crimes in New York, despite being 32% of the state population.

Female incarceration not only impacts individual women, but often the economic well-being of entire families. In 2017, more than 8 out of 10 women in New York City jails alone were mothers, with drug crimes being the primary reason for detention historically. Most crucially, maternal incarceration increases the chances that their children will be incarcerated in the future, producing intergenerational economic devastation.

Fortunately, under the MRTA and other legislation, nearly half a million people have seen their cannabis- related convictions expunged, providing relief from future disclosures of economically harmful information.

Housing

Stable, safe, and quality housing is well recognized as an essential determinant of health. However, housing policies under the War on Drugs have driven housing insecurity, homelessness, and poor health outcomes by zealously relying on evictions and policing housing to address the “prevalence” of drugs in residential settings.

Between 1988 and 1998, anti-drug fervor mobilized the passage of sweeping bills focused on eliminating drugs in housing. Through these bills, the federal government made public housing tenants increasingly vulnerable to drug related evictions. First, it penalized drug users, then those they lived or affiliated with. As a direct result of these policies, nearly 5,000 people were permanently excluded from NYCHA alone between 2007 and 2014. More strikingly, over 111,000 New York City residents have been at risk of being denied housing since 1980 for only drug offenses, nearly 50,000 of which were made vulnerable for merely possessing drugs.

Because so many individuals have interacted with the criminal justice system, are affiliated with justice-impacted people, or have barriers preventing them from meeting drug-related housing requirements, hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers have faced unstable living conditions as a direct result of drug-war policies.

Education

Similar to housing, drug-war education policies focused on resource deprivation and punitive enforcement. After several decades, youth in low-income and minority communities have and continue to suffer long-term consequences. Access to higher education for people with records of drug offenses, no matter how minor, has been limited through both mass incarcerations, as well as specific legal exclusion. After the 1984 Anti-Drug Abuse Act passed, research shows a demonstrable decrease in college enrollment among Black men because of heightened drug-related incarceration rates.

However, it was not enough to penalize just the incarcerated, or those pursuing higher education. Under Reagan, primary and secondary schools were recognized as a key site for “confrontational”, anti-drug strategies. Suspension, expulsion, and other zero- tolerance policies were popularized through anti-drug rhetoric, and the number of school police officers skyrocketed as drug-war strategies evolved. By 2008, the NYPD’s School Safety Division alone was the fifth largest police force nationally.

Putting police officers in schools may placate safety concerns, and anecdotal evidence suggest their usefulness in certain instances, but evidence shows policing children has, in the aggregate, widened educational opportunity and achievement gaps. Police intervention involving students is shown to reduce individual educational outcomes and produce high rates of emotional distress and PTSD which further impairs academic achievement. Furthermore, schools with more punitive practices following zero- tolerance, drug-war logic see lower achievement among all students, and higher subsequent rates of adult crime. Students in areas with high rates of police violence and brutality already see diminished GPA’s, making interactions with the police in schools all the more devastating. In New York State, these racial disparities and associated harms to learning begin as early as elementary and middle school.

Compounding Impacts

Holding the above social determinants of health in isolation offers a window into how drug-war policing and policies have impacted each specifically. However, lives cannot be compartmentalized so easily, and it is important to acknowledge that each social determinant of health has demonstrable impacts on one another. Beyond worse health outcomes, low quality or unstable housing is connected to lower educational attainment and academic achievements, as well as diminished financial stability. Unsurprisingly, higher education leads to higher income, higher quality housing and even higher housing values. The inextricable connection between these determinants also causes mutually reinforcing consequences. For example, economic hardship not only narrows housing opportunities, but increases housing inequalities in the aggregate thereby “locking less advantaged people in less advantaged places.” In considering the impact of drug-war policies on impacted communities, it is important to remember that while these strategies focused on discrete aspects of individual interactions and lives, the effects ripple through every aspect of a person’s life.

By unpacking the interconnected and cascading consequences of the War on Drugs, we can see clearly how communities hit hardest by drug criminalization have reaped the fewest benefits of medicalization.

About the Authors:

Dr. Torian Easterling is senior vice president for population and community health and chief strategic and innovation officer at One Brooklyn Health and founding partner of Black Star Wellness. Dr. Easterling previously served as the first deputy commissioner and chief equity officer at the city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Jahmila “JJ” Edwards is a dynamic leader with more than 15 years of experience working at the intersection of government, policy and politics in New York City. She is associate director of District Council 37, New York City’s largest public employee union.

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