State officials estimate more than 60,000 marijuana-related jobs will come online by the end of 2025.
The Criminal Justice Equity Initiative, also known as CJEI, is working to make sure people who were arrested on marijuana charges, in what was “the war on drugs,” get some of those jobs as they become available.
What You Need To Know
- State officials estimate more than 60,000 marijuana-related jobs will come online by the end of 2025
- The purpose of the program is to prepare those incarcerated for marijuana-related convictions with job training and mentorships, then get them into the New York’s budding market
- The 16-week program is a collaboration with several groups
“When you have an opportunity to make changes in your life for the better, take those opportunities, because they might not be around forever,” said Keith Gaffney, CJEI participant.
While second chances are tough to find, though, Gaffney said he’s had his fair share of them.
“In the 90s I used to be a part of street life,” Gaffney said.
Selling marijuana kept the Harlem-native in and out of prison for 16 years.
Each fresh start getting out was ruined by a return to selling drugs.
“I had a lot of time to self-reflect, and in reflecting I realized that criminal lifestyle didn’t really reflect who I am,” Gaffney said.
He said this time is already different.
After being released in 2020, while working on reintegrating back into society, Gaffney met Jamil Myrie.
Myrie introduced Gaffney to…