Public Outcry For Cannabis Reform: Will Politicians Listen? Glass House Brands Speaks Out

Glass House Brands (CBOE CA: GLAS.A.U) (CBOE CA: GLAS.WT.U) GLASF is calling for the complete de-scheduling of cannabis in an open letter to leaders of both political parties.

Graham Farrar, president of Glass House Brands, along with CEO Kyle Kazan, penned a letter addressed to President Joe Biden, former President Donald Trump, and Vice President Kamala Harris.

This push follows the recent conclusion of the DEA’s comment period on rescheduling cannabis from a Schedule 1 to a Schedule 3 drug.

With 42,000 Comments garnered, the extraordinary public support for this change has energized advocates like Farrar to demand more comprehensive reform.

Public Demand for Change

The response to the DEA‘s proposal was unprecedented. “The DEA received more responses to rescheduling cannabis than any other issue in its history,” Farrar said, highlighting the immense public engagement.

With 92% of the comments supporting rescheduling and over 60% advocating for complete de-scheduling, it’s evident that the American public’s view on cannabis has evolved greatly. Many now see cannabis as comparable to alcohol and tobacco rather than an illicit drug.

Political Opportunity

Farrar sees a unique opportunity for political leaders to address this public demand. He believes that a strong stance on de-scheduling cannabis could be a strategic move to garner voter support, particularly among the 18 to 34-year-old demographic. “Neither candidate would lose votes by supporting de-scheduling,” Farrar emphasized, suggesting that this issue could mobilize a critical voter base.

He further elaborated that Harris, having seen the impact of cannabis criminalization firsthand as Attorney General of California, has been a leading advocate for legalization. Similarly, he says Trump, who claims to support states’ rights with abortion, could leverage this issue to align with his political stance if he truthfully believes in states’ rights.

Addressing Injustice

A noteworthy part of Farrar’s advocacy focuses on the injustices faced by those incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses. Rescheduling alone, he argues, would not address these issues. “Rescheduling doesn’t get anybody out of a cage for growing, selling, or consuming weed,” Farrar said, stressing the need for de-scheduling to release individuals incarcerated for nonviolent marijuana offenses.

This reform could potentially free thousands of people and correct longstanding injustices. “There are about 3,000 individuals currently incarcerated in federal prison for nonviolent marijuana offenses. De-scheduling would allow them to go back to their families and contribute to society,” Farrar added.

He highlighted that many people incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses could benefit from this reform. Farrar mentioned Weldon Angelos, who faced a 55-year sentence for a minor cannabis offense, as a prime example of the system’s injustice.

Pushing For Change

Despite the challenges, Farrar remains committed to pushing for comprehensive cannabis reform. He acknowledged that rescheduling to Schedule 3 would be a step forward, benefiting businesses and reducing some legal barriers. However, he believes that only de-scheduling can bring about true progress.

“Cannabis should not be treated and regulated more tightly than alcohol and tobacco,” Farrar argued, pointing out the inconsistency in current regulations. “Alcohol kills 100,000 plus people every year, but we build altars to it while treating cannabis like nuclear waste.”

Want to Learn More?

Glass House Brands continues to advocate for cannabis reform, using its platform to push for changes that reflect the public’s evolving views. Farrar’s persistent efforts highlight the company’s commitment to both the industry and broader social justice issues.

“Cannabis makes the world a better place,” Farrar asserted, vowing to continue his efforts until significant change is achieved.

Farrar’s advocacy and insights will be further discussed at the upcoming Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, where he will be a speaker. This event will provide a platform for discussing the future of cannabis legalization and ongoing efforts to reform federal laws.

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Want to hear more from industry leaders like Graham Farrar? Join us at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference to learn about the latest in cannabis reform and meet the experts shaping the future. Get your tickets now and be part of the conversation!

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