Why States Are Fumbling Cannabis Regulations: Insider Speaks Out

Miami was buzzing with activity at the recent Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, and at the center of it all was Christine Smith, the founder & CEO of Grön. The stage was set for revelations and Smith did not disappoint.

"They really don’t know what they’re doing," she began, her voice resonating with the urgency and conviction of someone who's seen the tectonic shifts in the cannabis industry firsthand. It wasn’t just a casual observation, but a passionate plea for greater understanding and collaboration.

The discussion didn’t stop there. Smith is set to participate as a featured speaker at the upcoming Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago on September 27-28.

Related Content: Cannabis Edibles' Role In Wellness: 'People Are Using It As A Ritual', Says Grön CEO

The Crisis In Cannabis: Why Regulations Fail And How To Fix It

"I mean right now," she said, her tone veering towards incredulity, "I’m dealing with Oregon, and the OLCC [Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission] who’s trying to ban CBN [Cannabinol]. I mean it’s kind of insane."

As someone deeply invested in the industry, Smith's concerns went beyond the business side of things; it was about comprehension, about getting the regulators to see the bigger picture.

"The states are constantly looking at things," Smith said. "They really don’t really understand what they’re doing." Her point was clear. Regulatory bodies, in their zeal to police, often overlook the nuances and intricacies of the cannabis landscape.

However, it wasn't all critique and concern. Smith also presented a path forward, saying, "So it’s really critical to work with them and help educate them and to be able to be at the table and be a good partner to the regulators."

Smith's solution-based approach was evident as she highlighted the diverse nature of regulatory bodies, noting, "And I think they’re all different and they want to find – they want to make this work."

Related Content: Scaling 'Mount Regulations': Are Cannabis Producers Facing An Uphill Battle?

The challenge, she asserted, was to bridge the knowledge gap. To be a beacon of information and a guiding hand, ensuring that the cannabis industry and its regulators move forward hand in hand. "It’s just being able to be there to help educate them."

It's important to note that in 2021, Grön entered into a licensing and manufacturing agreement with Canadian edibles producer Indiva Limited NDVAF to bring its products to Canada.

For those who were left intrigued by the whirlwind of insights shared by Smith in Miami, the good news is that the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference is making a grand return. This time, Chicago will play host on September 27 and 28. Dive deeper into this reservoir of knowledge by visiting bzcannabis.com

"States often don't know what they're doing when it comes to cannabis regulations. It's crucial to be at the table, educating & partnering with regulators to make it work." - @eatgron's Christine Smith at the @Benzinga Conference
Join us in Chicago, Sept 27-28 -… pic.twitter.com/gIhstescFk

— Javier Hasse (@JavierHasse) August 29, 2023

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