The March Against The War On Drugs
A Unified Protest Against Systemic Injustices
This march and rally are centered around one single thing, ending the War On Drugs. The War On Drugs has been the primary pillar in upholding systemic racism. This war led to the militarization of police, mandatory minimum sentencing, the three-strikes law, the unjust scheduling of drugs, profiling, and the mass incarceration of millions. This war has been unjustly created to target and damage black people and people of color specifically. If you are black or Latin, you have an 8x higher likelihood of being incarcerated for drug offenses than if you are white, even though consumption rates are the same. In NJ, 92 people are arrested every day just for simple cannabis crimes, the majority of which are POC. An effort was made to decriminalize cannabis, but that is not enough, we need to decriminalize all drugs. The War On Drugs did not save anyone; it has ruthlessly killed and taken so many lives, and most notably that of Breonna Taylor. With this in mind, we the people have a call to action for our local government, our state government, and our federal government; to end the War On Drugs.
Join us as we welcome various activists and organizations dedicated to cannabis reform and social justice. Together, we represent the result of not just social justice, but in economic justice in allowing people who have been disproportionately affected by the War On Drugs. We, as an industry, invite all to join in protest and to be acquainted with members of not only the Cannabis industry but organizations looking to cause a positive change in their communities.
Mandatory Requirements For Attendance:
A Mask. By order of Governor Phil Murphy, it is MANDATORY to WEAR YOUR MASK during outdoor gatherings in large numbers of people. If you do not have a mask, we urge you to GET ONE BEFORE ATTENDING. There will be a LIMITED NUMBER OF MASKS organizations that will be donating for free for those who genuinely do not or can not obtain masks.
Practice Social Distancing. Do this as much possible. We understand that it is more difficult to achieve during protests, but please use your discretion.
Try Not To Smoke. This one is really to adhere to the social distancing guidelines. We consulted with a doctor to have him provide his written opinion because some might not think we have the qualifications to tell people.
“Smoking anything is not good for your lungs during this time when you need them to be the strongest to prevent and fight off any possible respiratory infection. The Cannabis community likes to share, which at this time is not ideal because that sharing can transfer the virus. The act of smoking also releases water droplets into the surrounding areas. Smoke doesn’t destroy the virus, and if you are asymptomatic, you can transmit the disease this way. I’d recommend edibles if you need to medicate. There is no smoke involved and is an example of ethical consumption not just for yourself but others around you”- Dr. Joseph Morgan, MD.
There will be organizers will have booths set up at the march’s final destination In which there will be water, snacks, hand sanitizer, a limited number of masks, and other assortments. Organizations will be set up with various types of materials and if interested in participating please reach out below:
A full list of organizations and speakers will be released on 7/15.
DISCLAIMER:
Some protests across the country have become unjust due to police, and they’re ensuing of rioting. These events were not the case for the Newark protests. Newark was one of the first cities in the country to protest peacefully and was and quoted by many to be a “model example” for demonstrations. This praise is because the citizens of Newark hold their city down and have a deep respect for their city. The mayor’s office, along with the sheriff’s department, has been notified and will be allowing this to occur. In return, we ask those of you to respect the city and protest peacefully. Any one individual or group who attempts to do anything threatening or illegal such as rioting, looting, destruction of property, harassment of protesters, assault of protestors, and such will immediately be handed over to law enforcement. We’re not playing that. There will be observing lawyers and marshalls ensure people act accordingly and respect the city. Why Not THC? and it’s partners do not take liability on any event that can arise from law enforcement or personal damages. If you need medical attention, please see one of the various marshalls immediately and dial 911. Understand you are attending at your own risk.
