Interstate commerce in cannabis doesn’t have to wait for federal legalization.
It simply requires Governors to act – and for the Department of Justice to allow it to happen, as they have tolerated commerce thus far despite federal prohibition.
In 2019, Oregon Governor Kate Brown signed the nation’s first interstate commerce law.
Now, California’s Governor Gavin Newsom has done the same.
We applaud their leadership, and the leadership of those state legislatures.
Now is the time for Governors to take the next, rational step in legal cannabis. Because states can’t wait.
Federal legalization will happen…eventually. But states can’t wait.
Allowing regulated commerce by compact between legal states will:
Spur an immediate explosion of new investment, expansion, and business formation, creating tens of thousands of jobs and generating billions in economic activity in local communities.
Establish profitable and sustainable legal industries in emerging consumer states, and stabilize businesses in producer states — and empower small businesses at every point in the supply chain.
Ensure that retailers in emerging markets can meet local demand for the highest quality medical and recreational products, and that processors and manufacturers have reliable access to sustainably and economically produced bulk materials and extracts.
Create meaningful opportunities for social equity in legalizing states.
Prepare for full legalization by developing a regulatory framework based on sound economic principles and common sense.