EXCLUSIVE – Al Harrington: Nixon’s Cannabis Policies Were Driven By Corporate Interests, Ignorance
“We’ve seen this movie before,” Al Harrington says in an exclusive interview with Benzinga Cannabis, displaying the conviction of someone who’s lived through the consequences of history. The former NBA player turned cannabis entrepreneur knows all too well how power structures have shaped — and dismantled — opportunities for communities of color. As we delve into the war on drugs and its enduring effects, Harrington’s stance is clear. The criminalization of cannabis wasn’t about safety; it was about control.
The people who once faced incarceration for cannabis possession are now fighting for a seat at the table in an industry generating billions. “At one point, the lottery was illegal, alcohol was illegal, but what’s really unique is when you do your research, people of color started all those industries as well and have no ownership in it,” Harrington reflects. He’s determined to ensure history doesn’t repeat itself in the cannabis space.
Harrington’s mission is rooted in advocacy. “We’ve seen this movie before,” he continues, “and that’s what inspired me to be a crusader, trying to make sure we don’t forget the people that really created this industry.” His focus is clear: inclusion for communities of color, particularly those harmed by the war on drugs, and the opportunity to build generational wealth.
Nixon’s Ignorance And Corporate Interests
The war on drugs was largely shaped by former U.S. President Richard Nixon, whose administration spearheaded aggressive criminalization policies. Recently resurfaced comments revealed that Nixon didn’t even consider marijuana particularly dangerous. Harrington reacts to this revelation with a sense of incredulity. “It was obviously ignorance,” he says.
Harrington highlights the political …