naacp Archives - TheJointBlog

California NAACP Endorses Initiative to Legalize Recreational Cannabis

January 12, 2016 by Anthony Martinelli

Proponents of the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA) have announced today that their cannabis legalization initiative has been formally endorsed by the California State NAACP, which is comprised of 52 branches and more than 30 youth chapters statewide. The NAACP is the nation’s oldest civil rights organization.

The California NAACP – which voted to endorse the initiative over the weekend — joins a rapidly-growing broad-based coalition of support, which already includes physicians, environmental leaders, business owners, small farmers and social justice advocates.

California NAACP Files Initiative to Legalize Recreational Cannabis

August 21, 2015August 21, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

An initiative to legalize the recreational use, cultivation and distribution of cannabis has been filed in California by the state’s branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

The initiative would legalize the possession of up to an ounce of cannabis for those 21 and older, while allowing them to cultivate up to 25 square feet of cannabis at a private residence. Cannabis retail outlets would also be authorized, allowing anyone 21 and older to purchase the plant.

President Obama Calls for Expansive Criminal Justice Reform, Reduction or End to Mandatory Minimums for Drug Offenses

July 16, 2015July 15, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

President Obama speeking at the NAACP's 106th annual convention. — President Obama speaking at the NAACP’s 106th annual convention.

During the 106th annual convention of the NAACP, President Obama called for expansive criminal justice reform across the United States.

“Mass incarceration makes our entire country worse off, and we need to do something about it.” said President Obama during the July 14th speech. “In too many cases, our criminal justice system ends up being a pipeline from underfunded, inadequate schools to overcrowded jails.”

President Obama Grants Clemency to 14 Individuals Serving Life in Prison for Drugs

July 13, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

By Drug Policy Alliance

President Obama announcing in a video that he's commuted 46 sentences. — President Obama announcing in a video that he’s commuted 46 sentences.

Today, President Barack Obama commuted the sentences of 46 people incarcerated in federal prison. This follows the commutation of eight people incarcerated in federal prison for drug offenses in December of 2014, and 22 in March 2015. Fourteen of the people who received commutations today were serving life in prison for nonviolent drug offenses.

In taking this step, the President has now issued nearly 90 commutations, the vast majority of them to non-violent offenders sentenced for drug law violations under draconian sentencing laws. President Obama has been under significant public pressure from advocacy groups and family members of people incarcerated for nonviolent drug offenses who are serving long, mandatory minimum sentences.

Coalition to Legalize Cannabis Formed in New Jersey

February 18, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

Activists, public officials and civil rights groups have joined together to launch a coalition aimed at legalizing cannabis in New Jersey. The new group, named New Jersey United for Marijuana Reform, will hold a press conference today to formally announce their effort.

Among those taking part in the new group and participating in the press conference is the New Jersey Municipal Prosecutor’s Association and the New Jersey chapters of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

Florida NAACP Endorses Medical Cannabis Legalization Initiative

September 18, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

The Florida chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has officially endorsed Amendment 2, a constitutional amendment to legalize medical cannabis which is being voted on this November 4th.

“Today is an exciting day for everyone working to pass Amendment 2 this November, especially for patients with debilitating diseases who could potentially benefit from compassionate care,” says Ben Pollara, Campaign Manager for United for Care, the group behind Amendment 2. “It is welcome news to have earned the support of an organization that has such an incredible history of fighting for the rights of the people.”

NAACP Approves Pro-Cannabis Resolution

November 18, 2013November 9, 2013 by Anthony Martinelli

By Johnny Green, TheWeedBlog.com

If you are a minority, you are much more likely to be arrested for a marijuana charge than your Caucasian counterparts, even though usage rates are about the same. In some cities like St. Louis or New York City, you are up to 8 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana. Again, usage rates are about the same for all races. Arrest rates for marijuana by race highlight just how racist the policy of marijuana prohibition is.