Talks and shows

Reckoning with the past: The cannabis and race connection

Explore how the war on drugs disproportionately affected certain communities, and the roadmap towards racial equity.

A close up shot of cannabis leaves.
Matthew Brodeur via Unsplash

This powerful, thought-provoking talk by experts, Akwasi Owusu-Bempah and Tahira Rehmatullah, is a golden opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the impact that the 'war on drugs' has had on Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities.

We'll delve into how systemic racism has fueled a policing and drug policy crisis through the stories of those who have been disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs, and the official and social forces that have been arrayed against them. The talk highlights the activists and entrepreneurs who are fighting for change and creating opportunities for those who have been left behind.

As attitudes towards cannabis are shifting, this is an ideal time to address past injustices, create a more just society and discover a roadmap for a racial reckoning.

Copies of Akwasi's latest book 'Waiting to Inhale: Cannabis Legalization and the Fight for Racial Justice' are available on Amazon and all good book shops.

Event type

This is a livestream event where the speaker and audience come together online. 

You will have priority access to the recorded video for two weeks after the event has taken place.

For more information on livestreams, see the information below, or visit our FAQs page. Please use the event link you have been provided with.  

By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and accept the Ri's event terms and conditions. You also agree to abide by our code of conduct, and help to create a great experience for yourself and your fellow participants. 

About Akwasi Owusu-Bempah

A man is smiling at the camera.
via University of Toronto

Akwasi Owusu-Bempah is a Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Toronto, an Affiliate Scientist at Canada's Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and the Director of Research for the Campaign for Cannabis Amnesty. His work has been featured in The Guardian, Forbes, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Economist.

About Tahira Rehmatullah

A woman with long dark hair is smiling towards the camera.
Tahira Rahmatullah

Tahira Rehamatullah is a partner at Highlands Venture Partners, Cofounder and CEO of Commons, and member of the board of directors for Akerna Corp and the Last Prisoner Project. Tahira Rehmatullah is often referred to in the trade press as “the most powerful woman in cannabis", and is committed to furthering female and minority leadership in the industry.

Timing for the livestream

The livestream will go live at 6.55pm and the introduction will begin at 7.00pm. If you register but miss the livestream, the video will be available to you via the same link for two weeks after the event date.

Event terms and conditions

The Royal Institution is part of the Amazon Affiliate Programme, and book links on this page may be affiliate links.

It won't cost you any extra, but as an Amazon Affiliate, the Ri will earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

All proceeds from our affiliate links help support the charitable work of the Ri.