Another Grass Gap In Chicago Opens Between Blacks And Whites On Legalization

For the last several years, Mick Dumke and I have been writing about the “grass gap“—i.e., even though everyone smokes reefer, far more blacks get busted for illegal possession of pot than whites or other racial groups.

      Not that it will hasten the legalization anytime soon. Remember, it’s only an advisory referendum, and Mayor Rahm and Governor Rauner oppose legalization.

      So I’m not sure if the no votes came from Latinos or the remaining white voters—Burke’s base, if you will.

      Most responses are along the lines of—black voters tend to be more conservative and church-based than upscale white voters.

      “Exactly,” says Cobb. “As a progressive, I understand the reason for legalizing marijuana. And I voted yes. But a lot of black voters have very real pragmatic concerns—like they’re still drug-testing my children.”

By the way, these issues will be on the table when the aforementioned Mr. Dumke and I convene another First Tuesday—April 3 at the Hideout.