Description:

The presentation will cover the changes and challenges of Cannabis reform- starting from the populist, referendum led creation of medical cannabis program in California, followed by the detailed regulatory structures enacted in Colorado and the Pacific Northwest, to the landmark ‘adult use’ programs to the various types of programs now in place in the majority of the states. It will discuss the conflict between these state programs and existent federal law and enforcement priorities; the difference between the exercise of discretionary policy choices and law; the conflicts between states’ rights and federal pre-emption; the competing pressures of popular demand, libertarian thought, vested business interests (the spirits industry), tax revenue, states’ rights, and social conservatism. The difference between legalization and regulation, as well as crystal ball predictions for the future will be covered, followed by a question and answer session.