Baltimore’s $152.5 million settlement with Cardinal Health and $80 million settlement with Walgreens represent more than just a legal victory — it’s a chance to heal from an opioid crisis that devastated our city. As a nurse who has worked in every Trauma Level 1 hospital in Baltimore, I’ve witnessed firsthand the pain and loss this crisis has inflicted.

Cardinal Health and Walgreens, major drug distributors, were responsible for flooding our communities with opioids, contributing to the deaths of thousands and shattering countless families. These settlements, part of more than $400 million the city has recovered from settlements with drug companies, present Baltimore with a unique opportunity to not only mend our broken systems but also chart a new course for our future.

The opioid epidemic in Baltimore, often described as the worst in the nation, has hit the city hard. In 2021 alone, Baltimore saw more than 1,000 opioid-related deaths — a staggering number that underscores the challenges we face. Our response must be equally profound.

Directing a portion of these settlement funds to support social equity cannabis business operators is a promising strategy. This approach can help economic growth in communities disproportionately affected by both the war on drugs and the opioid crisis, offering alternative therapies like cannabis to reduce opioid dependency.

The war on drugs and the opioid crisis are both intertwined in Baltimore’s history, leaving lasting scars. Former Baltimore Mayor Kurt Schmoke once called the war on drugs our “domestic Vietnam,” a costly and failed effort that devastated our communities.

Although he was met with much opposition at the time, Schmoke was ahead of his time, advocating a public health approach to addiction before it was popular. Today, his trailblazing ideas resonate more than ever. Baltimore is finally ready to embrace his vision and heal the wounds of decades of misguided drug policies.

Some may argue that cannabis is not a silver bullet for the opioid crisis, and they are correct. But cannabis is a vital part of a broader harm reduction plan that includes substance abuse programs, public health initiatives and community support.

Baltimore has already made strides with programs like its Overdose Response Program, which has saved lives through naloxone distribution, education and mobile health care units. However, the crisis continues, and we must explore all solutions.

Medical marijuana legalization has been associated with a 25% reduction in states’ opioid deaths. While cannabis alone won’t solve our crisis, its potential as part of a diverse approach is clear. It can manage chronic pain and reduce opioid dependency. Given these potential benefits, it’s essential to allocate a portion of the settlement funds to support Baltimore’s growing cannabis industry.

To ensure these resources benefit the communities most impacted by both the opioid crisis and the war on drugs, we must be intentional in our approach. A proposed plan could include funding for initiatives in areas disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition and the opioid crisis; assistance for small, minority-owned and women-owned businesses entering the cannabis industry; investment in opioid use disorder treatments, mental health services and health care access; and support for job training, after-school programs and educational opportunities in affected communities.

Baltimore was dealt a tough hand, but now we hold the winning cards for transformative change. We have a chance to lead the way in combating the opioid epidemic with forward-thinking, community-driven solutions.

By incorporating cannabis into opioid use disorder treatments and championing social equity businesses, Baltimore can set a national example and become a beacon of innovation. This strategy empowers businesses and ensures that marginalized communities are at the forefront of harm reduction efforts, paving the way for a safer, healthier Baltimore.

As we look ahead to the September 16 trial against the remaining companies, it’s important that we think creatively about how to use these funds. Baltimore has an opportunity to pioneer a model that addresses the opioid epidemic with compassion, innovation and a commitment to equity. We owe it to our residents to seize this moment and build a future where everyone thrives.

The time for bold action is now. The city’s historic settlements can be the foundation for a brighter future. I urge all community leaders to get involved.

Let’s ensure that Baltimore’s recovery isn’t just about holding corporations accountable but about rectifying the mistakes of the past and giving our community the tools it needs to heal and grow.

Jessica Lewis (nursecannabiz@gmail.com) is a nurse with a master’s degree in medical cannabis science and therapeutics from the University of Maryland. She was born and raised in Baltimore.