Instead, many advocates in the state looked ahead to how the state could be a leader in cannabis social equity, an increasing priority for advocates around the country who hope legalization can lessen the impacts of the War on Drugs on minority communities.We must turn the page on that disturbing history by centering Maryland’s legal marijuana market around racial equity.” In the decade since Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize recreational marijuana, few states have implemented a successful model for social equity.“I think that there’s a lot of business opportunities and entrepreneurial opportunities for the Black community as well.” Maryland decriminalized possession of up to 10 grams of marijuana in 2014, with the punishment of a $100 civil fine.When lawmakers voted earlier this year to put Question 4 on the ballot, they authored a companion bill that includes resentencing and expungement provisions for those with past marijuana-possession convictions.Mitchell, who has been nicknamed “the Cannabis Councilman” for his openness about marijuana use, reform and advocacy, said he’s looking forward to the economic opportunities that legalization could bring if it passes."