The recent MJ Unpacked industry convention featured experts debating federal and state cannabis legalization issues.
It was led by former Green Market Report Editor Debra Borchardt. The panelists shared their thoughts on the state of the industry and what we can do to advocate for change.
Discussing how the administration is appointing anti-cannabis people into positions of leadership, fears about over-regulation were raised.
Saphira Galoob is a lobbyist for the United States Cannabis Roundtable. It is focused on federal reform with the current Administration and Congress.
“On the legalization side, with a Republican House and congress… there is a path towards progress… we just have to be hyper-patient and grit our teeth,” she argued.
“At the end of the day, we’re not immune to politics. Politics matter… we need to recognize how the industry changes,” noted cannabis lawyer and advocate Bill Caruso said.
He remains optimistic.
“Jersey’s got a fantastic market. I think the popularity of cannabis is growing. I think we’re going to see more people lean in,” Caruso argued
Federal Cannabis Legalization Debate at MJ Unpacked
The conversation revolved around why we haven’t seen sweeping cannabis legalization. The simple reason was the pro-cannabis side does not have a majority of votes in Congress.
“A smaller one-two punch of dual legislation” is working to appeal to both sides Galoob explained.
This includes the Prepare Act. It directs the Attorney General to establish a ‘Commission on the Federal Regulation of Cannabis.’ It would advise the government on the development of a regulatory framework modeled after federal and state regulatory frameworks including barriers and suggestions for regulating Cannabis similar to alcohol.
Also, the STATE 2.0 Act, would make the federal government interfere less with cannabis regulation in states.
The panelists all supported the legislation. They thought it is an “easy on-ramp” for Republicans to get on board.
Galoob believed even though “we have plenty of friends on the (House) Ways and Means (taxation) Committee, the problem is “at the end of the day… we’re gonna have to] start playing defense and paying attention if regulatory changes begin to hinder businesses.”
Courts and Cannabis
A recent Supreme Court decision on a CBD company, where a trucker unknowingly used their lotion which was infused with THC,* was cited as consequential for the future of cannabis and lawsuits involving labels.
The trucker was fired for testing positive for drugs, because of the falsely labeled lotion. So, the case was brought not as a personal injury but as a RICO case.
Panelists warned this decision can lead to more anti-cannabis laws, even on topics like labeling.
Caruso noted the importance of understanding the court cases and new rules.
“If you’re looking for reform… the courts have been where the action’s at. In hemp, cannabis, medical cannabis… the courts are the innovators now,” he said.
It was notable that instead of an NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission official, there was someone from the equivalent in New York.
Removing cannabis from the unregulated market and finding “a middle ground approach with a degree of consumer confidence” is a significant goal that Felicia Reid, Executive Director of the NY Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) supported.
“Vexing states like in Texas are leading to people taking products who haven’t been tested, ingredients don’t match, giving a black market to the illegal cannabis space,” she said.
Bills to roll back progress are also concerning Reid.
Cannabis Legalization Debate Progress via Advocacy
“Be your own lobbyist,” advised Caruso, “Your members of Congress need to hear about the economic development you’re doing.”
Even if they never come into your cannabis business, sharing “the fact you are employing constituents, producing revenue, is important to both parties,” he said.
Galoob encouraged people to invite government officials to see how “infused into the economy of the country your dispensary is” or “sponsor a baseball group or girl scout troop.”
“Get connected in the community. You’d be surprised how that fabric strengthens when we share our stories in Washington D.C,” she added.
“We all need to be in the ears of our representatives… the polling is off the charts on this,” said Caruso.
The conference was held at The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. It sparked inspiration with cannabis events, presentations from leading experts, and community building.
(More coverage including the MJ Unpacked Cannabis Cup coming soon.)
