Big Alcohol Association Is Urging Congress To Legalize Recreational Cannabis, Proposes Framework

Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) is advocating for the federal legalization and regulation of adult-use cannabis by applying regulations similar to those implemented for alcohol, making them the first alcohol industry trade association to do so.

In a letter shared last week with members of Congress, the association presented a comprehensive and robust federal regulatory framework along with warnings that addressing the issue in a "piecemeal manner" will result in de facto federal legalization that does nothing to address product safety, trade practices, or interstate sales and enforcement.

"The time has come for Congress to legalize and regulate adult-use cannabis at the federal level," stated WSWA CEO and president Francis Creighton. "The success of our alcohol regulatory system offers a proven model for cannabis regulation, one that will promote public health and safety as well as a fair and competitive marketplace."

Four Pillars

WSWA's framework is built on four principles drawing on long-established federal laws governing the alcohol industry. The Associations’ principles for comprehensive federal legalization and oversight of the adult-use cannabis supply chain are rooted in four pillars:

• The federal permitting of cannabis producers, importers, testing facilities and distributors.

• The federal approval and regulation of "cannabis products and product labels"

• The efficient and effective collection of federal excise tax.

• Effective federal measures to ensure public safety.

"States have successfully regulated the alcohol market for their citizens for nearly 90 years — they should retain the authority to regulate cannabis in the manner that best suits their local needs, including being able to choose not to legalize the product in their state," added Creighton. "Federal regulation of cannabis should focus on issues of public health and safety and interstate commerce, such as standard potency measurements, labeling and marketing guidelines, the licensing of producers, testing facilities and distributors, collecting excise taxes, and properly funding impaired driving prevention and enforcement."

As reported by POLITICO's Natalie Fertig, "What WSWA feels they can bring to the conversation — besides the strength of their lobbying experience and network — is knowledge of how the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau regulates an industry producing and selling an intoxicating product. Most proposals for cannabis decriminalization, like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act, divide oversight and regulation of the industry between the Food and Drug Administration and the TTB, which is part of the Treasury Department."

Those interested in joining WSWA as a coalition partner as well as to stay up to date on the latest policy news should visit www.wswa.org/cannabis-legalization-regulation.

Photo: Benzinga edit with images by Kindel Media and 12019 on Pixabay