Since wisely giving up on the failed experiment of prohibiting alcoholic beverages almost a century ago, federal and state governments have achieved a reasonable balance in regulating that huge and important industry. While states can still set some of their own rules (for instance, allowing local jurisdictions to remain “dry” if their citizens choose to do so), Washington governs the quality and safety of the product so that consumers in Arizona, or Massachusetts, or Oregon know they are getting the same beer, wine or liquor as they move around the country.
Unfortunately, that isn’t the case right now with cannabis even as a wave of legalization has reached 36 states and national legalization is perhaps not far in the future. Arizona and each of the other states where cannabis is legal have their own laws and those laws can vary widely as you cross state lines. There’s no way to know that the cannabis bought somewhere else was produced under the same quality regulations as what is sold here in Arizona.
While we wait for national cannabis legalization, Washington must establish nationwide standards for safety and quality. Congress also needs to guard against public health threats posed by underage cannabis use. National programs to deal with potential substance abuse issues also are needed. And federal regulations should promote creation of a national cannabis marketplace with opportunities for anyone willing to work hard to get involved in production or marketing.
Arizona’s delegation in Congress should take the lead on this, drawing on our state’s positive experience in regulating cannabis at a reasonable level. These kinds of reforms are essential to assuring that a properly-regulated cannabis industry can contribute to a strong 21st century economy.
Sincerely,
Stanley Harris
Cave Creek
