WHY DO WE DESERVE THE CANNABIS EQUITY REINVESTMENT FUND (CERF)?
Why do we deserve the CERF?
A 2021 Joint Legislative Audit Review Commission report found that from 2010-2019, the average arrest rate of Black Virginians for marijuana possession was 3.5 times higher than the arrest rate for white individuals, and Black Virginians were also convicted 3.9 times higher than white individuals. Black and Brown residents who live in overpoliced areas that were arrested or convicted for marijuana-related offenses suffer long-term economic losses due to lack of access to entrepreneurship opportunities, sustainable employment, houselessness and evictions, and denial of government support. They also face increased economic costs related to legal fees, fines, court costs, restitution payments, etc., associated with their arrest or conviction. Currently, there is no data on the scope of impact of felony marijuana arrests and convictions.
The JLARC Report anticipates that Virginia (state and local governments) could receive $31 to $62 million in revenue during the first full year of sales, which is anticipated to grow to between $154-$308 million per year and 30% of the revenue, at the state level, being allocated to the CERF.
How will the Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Funds be used?
Supporting persons, families, and communities historically and disproportionately targeted and affected by drug enforcement.
Providing scholarship opportunities and educational and vocational resources for historically marginalized persons, including persons in foster care, who have been adversely impacted by substance use individually, in their families, or in their communities;
Awarding grants to support workforce development, mentoring programs, job training and placement services, apprenticeships, and reentry services that serve persons and communities historically and disproportionately targeted by drug enforcement.
Contributing to the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission
Who Oversees the Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Fund?
The Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Board oversees the CERF. They are a group of appointed volunteers, and the Board was established as a policy board in the executive branch of state government. The purpose of the Board is to directly address the impact of economic disinvestment, violence, and historical overuse of criminal justice responses to community and individual needs by providing resources to support local design and control of community-based responses to such impacts.
What else will the Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Board do?
Support persons, families, and communities historically and disproportionately targeted and affected by drug enforcement;
Develop and implement scholarship programs and educational and vocational resources for historically marginalized persons, including persons in foster care, who have been adversely impacted by substance use individually, in their families, or in their communities.
Develop and implement a program to award grants to support workforce development programs, mentoring programs, job training, and placement services, apprenticeships, and reentry services that serve persons and communities historically and disproportionately targeted by drug enforcement.
Collaborate with the Board of Directors of the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as necessary to implement programs and provide recommendations in line with the purpose of this article.
Submit an annual report to the Governor and the General Assembly for publication as a report document as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports. The chairman shall submit to the Governor and the General Assembly an annual executive summary of the interim activity and work of the Council no later than the first day of each regular session of the General Assembly. The executive summary shall be submitted as a report document as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports. It shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.
Perform such other activities and functions as the Governor and General Assembly may direct.
STAY UPDATED ON MARIJUANA JUSTICE EDUCATION
