July 14, 2021
Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation Statement on
Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act Discussion Draft
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation (CPEAR) released the following statement on behalf of its executive director, Andrew Freedman, in response to the release of the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act discussion draft by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Cory Booker (D-NJ).
“In 2021, ending the prohibition of cannabis is not enough; legalization must include thoughtful protections for consumers, patients, public health and safety, and criminal justice reform. The Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act discussion draft is an important step toward establishing a thoughtful and comprehensive federal regulatory framework for cannabis.
“The draft demonstrates a commitment to ensure a national legal cannabis market that is equitable, with protections for the small and minority-owned businesses that have been crucial for establishing legal markets in states across the country.
“The Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act discussion draft represents a substantial effort to reform the cannabis industry for the better and end the unsustainable and incomprehensive federal position of ‘inaction as policy’ as legalization continues to expand at the state level.
“There is broad public support for cannabis legalization today with thirty-seven states plus Washington, DC having some form of legal cannabis market. The time to enact smart federal cannabis legalization is now.
“We applaud Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Finance Chair Ron Wyden, and Senator Cory Booker for their leadership on regulating cannabis in a smart and just way and look forward to working with them to ensure the ultimate framework provides opportunity for all who choose to participate in a legal national market.”