A Level Playing Field for Cannabis Products: It’s Time to Simplify Retail Licensing
The cannabis industry is plagued by a complex regulatory structure that favors hemp-derived products over state-licensed marijuana. This disparity has led to a thriving market for hemp-derived products, which are often cheaper and more accessible than their marijuana counterparts. However, this uneven playing field is not only unfair but also poses a significant risk to public health and safety.
According to a recent study, communities with a higher concentration of marijuana dispensaries have lower rates of opioid prescriptions. This suggests that patients are opting for cannabis over opioids for pain management, which could lead to a reduction in opioid-related deaths. Furthermore, a study found that marijuana and opioids are equally effective in reducing pain intensity, with cannabis providing more holistic relief.
Despite these benefits, the regulatory environment for marijuana remains restrictive. In California, for example, nearly half of residents live more than 60 miles from the nearest legal dispensary, making it difficult to access legal marijuana. In contrast, hemp-derived products are widely available in gas stations, grocery stores, and online.
To address this imbalance, Reason Foundation proposes a single cannabis retailer license that would allow any retailer to sell both hemp-derived and state-licensed marijuana products. Retailers would need to demonstrate competence in age-gating products and obtain a cannabis excise tax certificate. This would create a more level playing field, allowing consumers to access a wider range of products at a lower cost.
Some critics argue that hemp-derived products are poorly understood and pose a risk to public health. However, the prevailing jurisprudence holds that cannabinoids are not deemed synthetic if they result from the conversion of a natural cannabinoid like CBD. Moreover, there is currently no evidence to suggest that THC isomers like delta-8 are more dangerous than the mainstream delta-9 variant.
In conclusion, it is time to simplify the retail licensing process for cannabis products. By issuing a single license type, we can create a more level playing field, reduce the regulatory burden on state-licensed marijuana products, and increase consumer access to a wider range of products. This would not only benefit the industry but also promote public health and safety.
