Trailblazers of Justice: Celebrating Black Legal Leaders in Cannabis Law and Criminal Justice Reform
As we honor Black History Month, it's a time to celebrate the incredible Black trailblazers who have shaped the American landscape, particularly in fields like cannabis law and criminal justice reform. The contributions of Black attorneys, judges, and legal scholars have been essential in challenging systemic inequities, advocating for fair policies, and advancing the legalization and decriminalization of cannabis. Meet ten visionaries whose bold advocacy has forever changed the fight for cannabis justice and equality.
As Founder and Executive Director of the National Association of Black Cannabis Lawyers (NABCL), Natacha Delinois Andrews leads the charge in diversifying the cannabis legal sector. Her pioneering work focuses on recruiting and training Black legal professionals for the rapidly expanding cannabis industry, while providing crucial legal resources to justice-impacted cannabis business owners and applicants. Andrews also shapes the future of cannabis law as an adjunct professor at Widener University School of Law, where she teaches cannabis law and policy.
Bakari Sellers – Civil Rights Champion, Political Pundit, and Cannabis Business Owner
Recognized for his sharp political commentary on TV and radio, Bakari Sellers is a civil rights attorney and community leader who uses his national platforms to advocate for individuals and communities affected by the War on Drugs. He maintains a civil rights and criminal justice practice and is the author of the New York Times bestselling book, My Vanishing Country: A Memoir. Sellers expanded his impact into the cannabis industry in 2024, co-founding a New Jersey dispensary alongside hip-hop icons Raekwon of Wu-Tang Clan and Charlamagne Tha God.
Toni Forge – Los Angeles Cannabis Equity Defender
As a leading voice for equity in Los Angeles, the nation's largest cannabis market, Toni Forge has been at the forefront of the fight to ensure equity through strategic action. She has served as a technical advisor to cities, including Los Angeles, Hawthorne, and Commerce, helping them implement equitable and sustainable cannabis programs. A former litigator, Forge now serves the industry through 4Leaf Consulting, a firm she co-founded to support cannabis operators nationwide. She also serves as an adjunct professor at the City Colleges of Chicago, teaching restorative justice in cannabis.
Amber Littlejohn – Cannabis Policy Expert and INCBA Board Member
Amber Littlejohn is a dedicated attorney and policy advocate specializing in cannabis law and social equity. As a board member of the International Cannabis Bar Association (INCBA) and former Executive Director of the Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA), she has played a key role in shaping policies that prioritize diversity and inclusion in the cannabis industry. She co-authored MCBA’s 2022 Social Equity Report and has testified before Congress and state legislatures on behalf of minority cannabis businesses.
Scheril Murray Powell – Community Builder and Justice Advocate
With her deep knowledge and experience from the hemp and consumer health product sectors, Scheril Murray Powell has been a passionate advocate for cannabis justice and a community builder within emerging cannabis markets. Powell led a cannabis justice coalition in New York that mobilized resources and empowered community leaders to advocate for equitable implementation of the state’s cannabis program. She is also a founding board member of the U.S. Hemp Building Association.
Tabitha Robinson – Executive Director of the Maryland Cannabis Administration
Appointed by Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Tabitha Robinson leads the state's cannabis administration, which has been hailed as the most equitable in the nation. Robinson previously served as Executive Deputy Director of Economic Development and Acting Chief Equity Officer for New York’s Office of Cannabis Management. She holds a JD and MBA from Harvard University.
Kassandra Frederique – Executive Director of the Drug Policy Alliance
Although not an attorney, Kassandra Frederique is the Executive Director of the Drug Policy Alliance, an organization at the forefront of advocating for drug policy reforms centered on racial justice. The Alliance has championed marijuana decriminalization, legalization, the pardon of cannabis prisoners, and the expungement of criminal records for non-violent drug offenses.
Melvin McCray – Legal Educator and Advocate for Criminal Justice Reform
Melvin McCray is a professor of law at Howard University who has dedicated his career to educating future legal professionals on the importance of justice reform. McCray’s work focuses on the intersections of race, law, and drug policy, with particular emphasis on the impact of cannabis criminalization on Black communities.
Judge Eileen R. Petersen – A Trailblazer in New Jersey’s Cannabis Legalization
Judge Eileen R. Petersen broke barriers as the first African American woman appointed to the New Jersey Casino Control Commission. She later became a key figure in New Jersey's cannabis legalization efforts, championing social justice within the regulatory process. Her leadership ensured the state’s legalization framework addressed historical injustices stemming from cannabis prohibition.
Eliana Green – Justice Advocate and Cannabis Equity Policy Authority
Eliana Green began her cannabis justice policy work as an Equal Justice Fellow with Root & Rebound, an Oakland-based organization that provides legal advice and holistic support to those harmed by the War on Drugs. Green co-authored MCBA’s 2022 Social Equity Report and has served as Director of Policy and Reentry Legal Services for the Hood Incubator, a justice-centered network serving cannabis activists and entrepreneurs.
The Impact of Black Legal Professionals on Cannabis Law
From grassroots activists to policymakers, Black legal professionals have been instrumental in reshaping cannabis laws to prioritize equity and justice. Their leadership ensures that the legal cannabis industry addresses past inequities through expungement initiatives while creating meaningful opportunities for marginalized communities.
Organizations like the International Cannabis Bar Association (INCBA) continue this vital work by promoting diversity and inclusion within the legal cannabis space.
Conclusion
As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor the Black attorneys, judges, and legal scholars who have transformed our legal system through their unwavering commitment to justice. Their pioneering work continues to light the path toward equity in cannabis law and beyond.
Join INCBA's upcoming events or connect with our online community to engage with legal professionals driving change in cannabis law and social justice.
INCBA Diversity Committee
Chair: Akshita Singh
Corporate Associate
Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP
