Marijuana Business Magazine May-June 2019

May-June 2019 2019 | mjbizdaily.com 11 50 years.” It’s really been delightful—and (the meetings) have been civil, a civil exchange of different viewpoints, which is also something I don’t think we have enough of today in American political discourse. Why is it important for Pennsylvania to explore legalizing adult-use marijuana now? Because it’s a critical public-policy topic. We’ve had over 20,000 people weigh in online just in the last couple of weeks. We average somewhere between 175 and 215 people at every (listening) session. So, people are interested. Our neighbors like New York and New Jersey are having the conversation. What do you think are the odds of adult-use legalization in Pennsylvania this year or next year? I wouldn’t know. I personally call and invite every state representative and senator to come to the listening tour regardless of what their views are. We really strive for transparency. It’s an open invitation—we want to hear from everybody. There’s absolutely no booing or cheering tolerated. It hasn’t been an issue. But everyone is free to share their views, whether they’re on the spectrum of Cheech and Chong or all the way to “Reefer Madness” or anywhere in between. What do you detect with the Legislature? Do you see a shift? There are some private conversations. I’ve toured several medical cannabis dispensaries here. They’re professional. They’re well-lit. They’re well-designed. I think some people assumed it was going to be like some kind of head shop, and it’s like going to the Apple store and picking out a new phone or something. And that changes the hearts and minds of people, too. The Republicans who may not be there on legalization for recreational, I would commend them for passing (medical). They’ve helped craft quality cannabis legislation. So far, there seems to be 70% for (legalization)—but who knows? We still have a lot of counties to go. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. LIQUID NITROGEN DOSING regardless of your package or closure preference • Purge Oxygen • Extend Shelf-Life vacuumbarrier.com | 781-933-3570 Jeff Smith covers legal and regulatory issues for Marijuana Business Magazine. You can reach him at jeffs@mjbizdaily.com.