MJ moment
Marijuana regulators from 19 states announced on Thursday that they have formed an independent organization aimed at coordinating efforts to implement cannabis policy changes. The Cannabis Regulators Association (CANNRA) isn’t taking a position on legalization, but it said the group can help inform regulatory best practices, drawing from their collective experiences managing marijuana programs. They note that as jurisdictions work to establish cannabis markets, one of the first steps is often to reach out to regulators in places where similar systems are already in effect. Until now, there hasn’t been an organization to formally facilitate those conversations. “The Cannabis Regulators Association will provide a much needed forum for regulators to engage with each other to identify and develop best practices, create model policies that safeguard public health and safety, and promote regulatory certainty for industry participants,” Norman Birenbaum, CANNRA’s inaugural president, said in a press release. It’s a timely announcement, as voters in five more states approved ballot measures to legalize marijuana for medical or recreational purposes on Election Day. Again, CANNRA goes out of its way to emphasize that it is not advocating for or against cannabis reform. The association will simply provide “unbiased information to help make informed decisions when considering whether or how to legalize or expand regulated cannabis.” Birenbaum, who currently serves as the director of cannabis programs for New York, said the group “will also work to ensure federal officials benefit from the vast experiences of states across the nation to ensure any changes to federal law adequately address states’ needs and priorities.” As of now, CANNRA members include regulators from 19 states: Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah and Washington state. More are expected to join soon. “CANNRA…
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Source : Marijuana Regulators From 19 States Form Group To Coordinate Legalization Implementation
reposted by Cannabis News World