Policy Considerations
Advertising
Advertising is critical for a functioning legal cannabis market, and it is possible to establish a policy framework that both promotes business growth and protects public safety.
Decriminalization and Expungement
One of the most important components of cannabis legalization is ending the failed War on Drugs, and all levels of government should play a direct role in repairing the harm done through decriminalization and expungement efforts.
Delivery
Delivery services are critical for a functioning regulated cannabis market. Delivery (1) provides patients—particularly those with mobility issues—with much-needed access to medical cannabis, (2) increases adult-use consumer access to the regulated market, and (3) minimizes the size of the illicit market.
Federal Policy
In recent years the Federal Government has communicated mixed signals regarding their official position on cannabis and cannabis enforcement,
Licensing
A broad range of license types play an important role in a functioning cannabis market. As states and municipalities continue to implement medical and adult-use cannabis policies, the availability and accessibility of licenses will greatly facilitate the transition from an illicit to an above-ground market and ensure opportunities for a wide array of individuals, businesses, and communities.
Medical Cannabis
Cannabis has been used anecdotally for medical purposes for thousands of years. Finally, with modern scientific practices and an ever-expanding pool of data, concrete evidence is beginning to establish the robust safety profile of cannabis and the expansive list of conditions that it can alleviate.
Social Equity
Addressing the social and racial inequities of the War on Drugs should be one of the primary motivations for adopting comprehensive cannabis policy reforms.
The launch of a multi-billion dollar legal cannabis industry also creates new avenues for community reinvestment through the sector’s proven capacity for tax revenue generation, job creation, entrepreneurship, and economic development.
Taxation
Establishing sound tax policy is a key component of state and local cannabis reform efforts. In order to support a safe, well-regulated, and successful cannabis industry, it is imperative that governments set appropriate tax rates. The total demand for cannabis in the U.S. (including the illicit market) is estimated to be around $52.5 billion annually. As such, there is considerable tax revenue to be made for state and local governments that adopt adult-use cannabis laws and implement sensible tax policies.
Zoning
Zoning and land-use regulations related to commercial cannabis operations typically fall under the authority of local governments. State law often dictates minimum zoning standards for cannabis businesses, and localities usually have the authority to set additional restrictions.
Zoning laws can be crafted in a way that are conducive to a thriving legal market while simultaneously adhering to the specific needs of the local community.
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