Are Regulations Killing The Cannabis Industry While Beer Gets A Pass? Experts Weigh In

Luke Anderson, co-founder of Cann, posed a thought-provoking question that reverberated through the halls of the recent Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Miami: “Shouldn’t we just think about potency-based regulations a little bit differently?”

His emphasis on the differential treatment between cannabis and beer in regulatory paradigms.

Join Anderson at the upcoming Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago. Learn about 'Going Mainstream: Positioning Your Cannabis Brand As A CPG Product' with experts from Wana Brands, Acreage Holdings Inc ACRHF, and Jones Soda Co JSDA. Mark your calendar for September 27-28.

Related Content: Americans View Cannabis As Less Harmful Than Cigarettes And Alcohol, Gallup Poll Suggests

Redefining Perspectives: Comparing Cannabis To Beer, Challenging Established Beliefs

“I think if there is some sort of a regulatory rollback, we’re prepared to fight. Loyal Cann fans everywhere argue this is no more dangerous—and arguably a lot less dangerous—than a beer,” Anderson said.

Such comments are not just restricted to cannabis industry insiders. The alcohol industry's own veterans seem to share similar sentiment. Smoke Wallin, a veteran in the alcohol industry, president and CEO of hemp brand Vertical Wellness Inc., and STS managing director, engaged with Anderson during the panel discussion.

Wallin's analogy illuminated the perceived difference in effects between the two substances. “Well I mean, to your point, I could put 10 guys in a room and give them unlimited beer, and there might be a fight. Someone might, you know, they’re probably all pass out or someone could die, I guess, in theory. However, if I do the same with 10 guys and give them unlimited cann, they might order pizza and fall asleep.”

Related Content: Cannabis And Alcohol: A Natural Crossover Between 2 Industries Continues To Move Ahead In 2023

This exchange, juxtaposing the outcomes of excessive beer and cannabis consumption, served as a call to reassess prevailing regulatory norms. Wallin's perspective combined with Anderson's insights suggests that the current stance might not only be unfounded but also counterintuitive.

The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, which has become a nexus for thought leadership in the cannabis domain, had no shortage of such insightful discourses. Having recently concluded in Miami, the anticipation is already building for its next iteration in Chicago on September 27 and 28. All information is available on bzcannabis.com

Potency-based #cannabis regulations need a rethink. Put 10 guys in a room with unlimited beer and there might be a fight. Do the same with Cann and they might just order pizza and snooze.@drinkcann's Luke Anderson & @SmokeWallin at the @Benzinga Conference
Join us in Chicago,… pic.twitter.com/ZwKL2dr2j2

— Javier Hasse (@JavierHasse) August 30, 2023

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