Sister Somayah Kambui: Champion of Cannabis Legalization and Racial Justice
In the evolving landscape of cannabis legalization, equity has emerged as a key focus, with state and local governments striving to address social harms caused by prohibition and the War on Drugs. The path toward public acceptance was paved by courageous advocates like Sister Somayah Kambui, whose activism and legal victories brought racial justice to the forefront of the cannabis movement.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Healing
Sister Somayah Kambui (née Renee Moore), a former Black Panther, became a pioneering cannabis advocate, using cannabis to treat sickle-cell anemia under California Proposition 215. Her advocacy extended beyond personal health, aiming to highlight racial disparities within cannabis policies.
“Cannabis saved me when traditional medicine failed. It holds the power to heal—not just individuals but entire communities.” — Sister Somayah Kambui
Sickle-cell anemia (SCAA) disproportionately affects African Americans, causing debilitating pain and fatigue. Sister Somayah found cannabis to be the most effective treatment, prompting her to establish the Crescent Alliance Self Help for Sickle Cell collective, where she cultivated cannabis with doctor approval to support patients.
Unprecedented Legal Victory: Jury Nullification
In October 2001, Sister Somayah’s garden was raided by police, who confiscated an estimated 200 pounds of cannabis plants. Despite having a doctor’s recommendation, she faced charges that could have resulted in life imprisonment under California’s Three Strikes Law, due to her previous Black Panther-related convictions.
However, in a historic court case in March 2002, Sister Somayah achieved a groundbreaking victory through jury nullification—a rare legal outcome where a jury acquits a defendant despite evidence of guilt, based on moral or ethical grounds.
“This verdict wasn’t just for me—it was for every marginalized person fighting for access to healing.” — Sister Somayah Kambui
This victory not only spared her from harsh penalties but also paved the way for future cannabis legislation, influencing the passage of Senate Bill 420 in 2003, which offered legal protection for medical marijuana collectives.
Continuing the Fight: Racial Justice in the Cannabis Industry
Sister Somayah’s advocacy did not end in the courtroom. She:
- Led Los Angeles Global Marijuana Marches from 1999 until her passing in 2008.
- Called out internal racism within the cannabis community, highlighting:
- The lack of focus on sickle-cell anemia in medical marijuana advocacy.
- The disproportionate policing of Black and Brown communities.
She also collaborated with B.E. Smith, a prominent cannabis grower, to bridge cultural gaps within the industry. However, her legal battles continued, including a DEA raid in 2003, which further highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by marginalized advocates.
A Life of Sacrifice and Legacy of Change
Despite her relentless efforts, economic hardship plagued Sister Somayah in her final years. She passed away on Thanksgiving 2008 at the age of 57. Many believe that financial instability contributed to her untimely death.
“There were dispensaries all across Los Angeles, but none could save her home from foreclosure.” — Time4Hemp
Her sacrifices remind us that the freedoms enjoyed today in the cannabis industry were hard-won by activists who risked everything for justice and healing.
Promoting Racial Justice in Cannabis Today
Sister Somayah Kambui’s legacy urges the industry to:
- Acknowledge and support those who fought for legalization before it became socially acceptable.
- Promote equity-focused cannabis policies that prioritize communities most affected by prohibition.
- Continue addressing racial disparities in cannabis business ownership, access, and criminal justice.
Twelve years after her passing, Sister Somayah Kambui’s story continues to inspire a movement centered on healing, equity, and racial justice.