The fate of the cannabis industry in the United States changed dramatically in 2020. Five states have just joined the growing majority of those adopting recreational and medical cannabis laws that differ from federal policy, and the impacts will be felt across the country.
Over the past decade, the state-by-state, staggered cadence of legalization roll outs has been far from smooth. As more states adopt new policies, law enforcement entities, regulators, and health authorities will face even greater challenges in their efforts to regulate the newly legal substance and keep consumers safe. With no federal policy in sight, states need to develop thoughtful strategies that will help mitigate the impact of the continuously shifting landscape and ensure both recreational and medical cannabis products being sold are authentic, in compliance, and coming from licensed operators.
As someone who has spent nearly 50 years working in law enforcement, drug policy, and trade, I know there are lessons we have learned from years of managing regulated substances like tobacco and alcohol that we can apply to our approach with marijuana. By thoughtfully working together to use 21st century technologies to secure the cannabis supply chain, we can help states minimize illicit activity and maximize tax revenue, ease the burden on law enforcement, create trust with consumers, and empower growers to…
Original Author Link click here to read complete story..
