Amid an unprecedented push for federal legalization, a new group with members representing alcohol, tobacco, and other industries has raised questions regarding how it plans to influence cannabis policy. I spoke to the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education and Regulation’s (CPEAR) executive director Andrew Freedman about its strategy and policy objectives.
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- Freedman says many of the issues surrounding federal legalization, like pesticide testing, quality control and interstate trade, would benefit from a standardized process only the federal government can bring to the table.
- Freedman was Colorado’s top regulator when it rolled out its REC market.
- The group has declined to weigh in on the contentious questions surrounding legalization, including those with significant financial implications for both its members and operators in the existing industry.
- Kris Krane, president of MSO 4Front said that depending on the group’s priorities, CPEAR could be a threat or a boon for existing operators.
Related: Sen. Majority leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said the bill he’s currently drafting with colleagues would specifically restrict the roles of alcohol and tobacco companies in cannabis.
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