Can a prominent person create change with a statement alone? To an extent, it appears so, though experts say more is required to move the needle when creating change.

Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) CEO Elon Musk became one of the latest notable names to use their platform to stoke conversation.

In the early hours of June 6, Musk tweeted about the disparity that finds thousands of people in jail for selling marijuana while the market becomes increasingly legal.

“Doesn’t make sense, isn’t right,” was the extent of his analysis. While lacking any further depth, Musk’s platform added to the gathering calls for reform across cannabis, policing and civil rights.

Selling weed literally went from major felony to essential business (open during pandemic) in much of America & yet many are still in prison. Doesn’t make sense, isn’t right.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 6, 2020

See Also: Elon Musk Tweets About Marijuana, Gets Trolled

Do Statements Alone Create Change?

Experts in cannabis and criminal justice believe more is needed to create the change being sought.

Morgan Fox, media relations director for the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA), said that while Musk’s statement isn’t groundbreaking, influential voices do add volume to the chorus of those seeking reform.
“While such statements from prominent figures might help raise an issue’s profile or increase awareness among their fans, it doesn’t equate to policy change,” Fox said.

Torie Marshall is a…