At the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, actor and cannabis advocate Jim Belushi emphasized the urgent need for cannabis policy reform, particularly around banking and taxation. As the founder of Belushi's Farm, he's not only invested in the cultivation of cannabis, but also in changing the way the plant is regulated and perceived in both the medical and recreational spaces.
Belushi pointed out the stark contrast between how cannabis and alcohol are treated in terms of taxation, using Illinois as an example. "Last year, they collected $474 million in cannabis taxes and $272 million in liquor taxes. And there are a lot more liquor stores and bars than dispensaries," Belushi said, highlighting the disproportionate burden placed on the cannabis industry.
Advocating For Change
Belushi has been a vocal proponent of cannabis reform, particularly the need to remove the plant from its classification as a Schedule I drug and to pass the Safe Banking Act, which would allow cannabis businesses more accessible access to financial services. "Let's get it off Schedule I. Let's pass the Banking Act. Let's bring down some regulations and over-taxation," he said.
He further stressed that cannabis offers a safer alternative to alcohol, saying, "Cannabis doesn't kill anybody. Alcohol does. It kills lots of people." This comparison underlines his argument for leveling the playing field between the two substances.
The Broader Impact of Cannabis Advocacy
Belushi also spoke about his broader advocacy for cannabis as a tool for healing, particularly in light of personal tragedies such as the loss of his brother John to an overdose. "Cannabis is a gentler alternative than opioids or overuse of alcohol to suppress anxiety and trauma," he said.
Through his platform and his involvement in the cannabis industry, Belushi is pushing for policy changes that not only benefit businesses but also help individuals find alternatives to harmful substances. As he noted, "People are suffering out there, and I think cannabis is the gentle way to help."
Belushi's continued efforts in the public and political arenas demonstrate his commitment to cannabis as more than just a business—it's a movement for broader social change.
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Jim Belushi speaks at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference. Photo by Wendy Davis.
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