NACB Recommends Regional Strategy for Cannabis Legalization in Midwest
New York, NY (May 21, 2020) – The National Association of Cannabis Businesses (NACB) is asking governors in seven states to coordinate policy-making for full cannabis legalization across the Midwest as they reopen state economies. In letters to the governors of Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana,
Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Kentucky, the NACB highlighted the benefits regional coordination could create for all stakeholders, including citizens, small businesses, and state governments.
“The NACB is an enthusiastic advocate of full cannabis legalization, especially at this time when states are in such critical need of new jobs and new sources of revenue,” said Mark Gorman, NACB’s Executive VP and COO. “If it can be adopted as a coordinated strategy among the coalition of Midwest Governors, there could be many additional benefits including the joint implementation of best practices like quality controlled manufacturing, truthful advertising and responsible marketing programs aimed strictly at 21-and-over consumers.”
“Marijuana legalization is strongly supported by almost every age group,” he added. “It’s one of the few issues that isn’t overwhelmed by partisan feuding. Governors and legislatures can ensure the public is served safe products that are advertised and marketed in a responsible manner. The NACB has adopted standards for the cannabis industry that are designed to do just that.” Reach Mark at Mark.Gorman@NACB.com.
The NACB is the only U.S. cannabis organization whose members are vetted as being responsible, trustworthy, and compliant with state laws and best business practices. As part of its mission to shape cannabis into a safe, responsible, and ethical industry, the NACB continues to create and adopt national standards for responsible cannabis manufacturing, advertising, and marketing practices.
The NACB’s hallmark approach to national cannabis industry standards relies on input from government, NACB members and subject matter experts, and a deliberative and inclusive development process. To date, the NACB has adopted National Standards for:
- Packaging & Labeling
- Advertising
- Lab Testing & Product Integrity
- Security
- Infused Products Production and Storage
- Hemp
“We feel the need for change is especially important now,” said Heather Beuke Diers, who is a certified medical cannabis wellness advisor & educator and co-founder of CannaMedU Educational Partnership & FRESHEMP! Podcast, an NACB member. “The economic boost cannabis could bring to Indiana is one obvious reason to legalize during times of COVID-19, but let’s not lose sight of the potential health benefits cannabis offers. Cannabis is even being studied as a possible treatment option for COVID-19 recovery.”
“The cannabis industry’s professionalism was shown through its ability to quickly adapt to extensive safety regulations during the pandemic without skipping a beat,” said Thomas E. Gavin IV, Vice Chairman and CEO of CannaTrac Technology, Inc. and NACB Member.
“Responsible, transparent cannabis industry regulations are something we’ve offered to help state governments develop,” said Gina Kranwinkel, NACB CEO. “With our expertise in the cannabis space, Midwestern states will benefit fully from the synergies of coordinated policies for legal adult and medical marijuana programs and encourage a safe and compliant cannabis industry.”
About the National Association of Cannabis Businesses (NACB): The National Association of Cannabis Businesses (NACB) is the industry’s first and only self-regulatory organization whose mission is to support the compliance, transparency and growth of legal cannabis businesses in the U.S. Compliance with the National Standards is required for ongoing membership in the NACB.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Meggan Hau
Operations Manager, NACB
meggan.hau@nacb.com
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