A new toolkit was released Monday by a drug policy think tank to guide reform efforts.
Parabola Center for Law and Policy is a non-profit that works to advance equity-centered reform. It has launched the Anti-Monopoly Toolkit, which gives an overview of federal and state policy priorities in order to stop consolidation and corporatization that could harm small cannabis businesses.
The book also includes practical advocacy advice, including tips on how to communicate with policymakers and draw attention to the possible ramifications of large marijuana companies dominating the market.
The introduction states that “This document is not only for policymakers but for everyone who wants to learn how to advocate fair cannabis markets that prioritize patients over profits.” It offers a range of policy options and each section contains model language to help you write the associated provisions.
Today we launch our Anti-Monopoly Toolkit. Read the full report & take action at https://t.co/e5v4iWkxVx
Are you concerned about the potential for big business to take over the cannabis industry. This toolkit is for your use. Working together makes it easier to address this problem. https://t.co/4m5swEVxR0
— Parabola Center (@ParabolaCenter April 10, 2023
These are other highlights from the Toolkit:
According to the center, it is important to limit the number of cannabis business licenses, shops, and canopy spaces that any individual or entity can get. Instead of limiting licensing in general, policies should be focused on individual ownership.
It warns against the danger of major technology platforms dominating the market. Their services could hinder market competition by promoting selected brands within their networks.
According to the toolkit, marijuana reform should not allow vertical integration. Vertical integration is when a single business can be present at multiple stages of the supply chain. This excludes microbusiness licensees.
Parabola strongly opposes keeping people with drug convictions from the legal market. Parabola does however recommend that corporations with a history of “harmful conduct” be barred.
It suggests that people should sign on to letters sent to policymakers by signing up to show solidarity in opposition to monopoly priorities.
It advises that citizens should continue to push for legalization of cannabis so they can grow their own.
Marijuana Moment’s Shaleen Title, Parabola Center Director and founder, said that Lizzie Magie was the inspiration for me. She was a progressive feminist who created Monopoly to teach philosophy and writing. “Just as in her time, we are in a crucial period that requires large-scale and severe action.
Learn more and read the full report at https://t.co/e5v4iWkxVx pic.twitter.com/EEzNIuwTPK
— Parabola Center (@ParabolaCenter April 10, 2023
The toolkit recognizes that not all policies are right for every community.
It states that “This document does not endorse every example provision in every situation” nor does it offer specific legal advice. “Our goal in legalization discussions is to increase awareness of important policy considerations that are often overlooked.”
This resource is one of Parabola Center’s latest additions, and includes direct engagement with Congressmen.
The organization proposed changes in a House-passed federal cannabis legalization bill for 2021. This bill sought to ensure that the market was fair and empower communities that were most affected by prohibition to take advantage of the new industry.
The center raised the alarm last year about the influence of tobacco and alcohol in federal cannabis reform. It encouraged lawmakers to reconsider the idea of modeling legal cannabis regulations after the ones that were in place for booze.
Title stated that “We got to this point because people worked their entire lives on this issue — many of whom didn’t live long enough to see state legalization.” “Now that we are 95 percent of the route to the finish, we’re going to give the keys to Jeff Bezos & Philip Morris to destroy the entire market and culture for our own profit? It’s outrageous.”
She said, “We know most people agree with our views but they don’t know what to do to get us back on the right track to justice and freedom.”
Congressional Progressive Caucus Urges Biden To Expedite Marijuana Scheduling Review And Push For Federal Guidance
Photo by Mike Latimer.
The post Marijuana Equity Advocates Launch ‘Anti-Monopoly Toolskit’ To Shape Legalization Laws was first published on Marijuana Moment.
