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WILL BIG BOOZE AND TOBACCO BE GOOD FOR WEED?

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.

Which will it be?

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.
Marijuana Moment