An open letter from a leading cannabis reform organization to the industry is being circulated, highlighting that both the marijuana and the cannabis industries are the cornerstones of a community. The “need” for each other is growing at a moment when “a resurgent, well-funded neoprohibitionist” movement has risen.
“Neither advocacy nor industry will be successful alone.”The letter of Adam Smith, Executive Director at Marijuana Policy Project.
Smith said that some industries use fake grass to appear credible. However, the “fakegrass” they are using is inorganic and does not nourish, nor do it grow.
It’s another story when it comes to the marijuana reform movement.
Cannabis activism is not Astroturf. The industry didn’t create it. Smith stated that it was the exact opposite, as the success of the marijuana movement created an opportunity for the industry to emerge later. Cannabis policy reform is an movement. Like every other fight for justice ours was born from suffering. The suffering of those whose freedom, children, houses, education or lives have been stolen in the name the drug war.”
“The pain of those who desperately need medicine, whether to ease their own pain, calm down seizures, or assist a family member,” said he. The movement was against the drug war that fuels government overreach and has led to mass imprisonment, inequity, and discrimination for almost a century. “All based on lies about a marijuana plant.”
In recent years there has been tension between advocates and the industry in the cannabis movement, particularly as the philanthropic funding for grassroots groups dried up. This is because a majority states now legalize medical marijuana or recreational marijuana. Matthew Schweich was a former MPP executive who discussed this issue often as they fought to change the financial and policy dynamics.
Smith hopes that his letter will start the conversation, and convince the industry of the mutual benefits that can be gained by working together more closely in pursuit of reform.
Smith said to MEDCAN24 that “industry and advocacy” are working towards the same end goal. Not just ending cannabis prohibition but doing it right. Patients and consumers require safe and reliable access. This requires an industry that’s economically stable, rationally regulated and reasonably taxed and operates within a standardized commercial environment.
The cannabis problem is more complex than just dollars and cents. Industry won’t be able to solve it alone. He said that independent advocacy was and is an important force in the reform process. We may not always agree on certain issues, but we must start working together to achieve a better strategic vision.
He also noted that because criminalization persists and prohibition continues, “suffering” is perpetuated. This has put at risk the entire movement, which advocates and other stakeholders have been working to create for many years. If the industry fails “we all fail together,” wrote he.
A strong industry generates revenue, creates employment, and revitalises local economies. These arguments have been and remain powerful motivators for reform. They cannot end prohibition. The deeper issues which brought together this movement are not addressed, and neither can the legislators or their constituents who have concerns about public health, safety and cannabis.
Smith pointed out also that Smart Approaches to Marijuana, a prohibitionist organization, and its allies, are actively “backing legislative, and very soon ballot initiative, to roll back state-by-state our progress.” It could include a 2026 Massachusetts ballot initiative to recriminalize the sale of recreational marijuana.
He said that prohibitionists are aware of the fact that the incentives for any industry to reduce costs and maximize profits can undermine an industry’s reputation with legislators and the general public in these issues. Their strategy is forcing legislators to make a false decision between their profit motives or yours, and to claim the mantle for public health. The goal is to make you feel isolated.
“But independent advocacy requires resources. The resources available have been very limited. The Marijuana Policy Project has led the charge to ensure 29 laws for medical and adult use, through both legislatures and voter initiatives. “We have worked to ensure that these laws are implemented in good faith and have defended them against opponents who have attempted to reverse them.”
Smith said that MPP was actively working on adult-use marijuana legalization, in Louisiana, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire and other states. The organization has priorities “that overlap” with those of the medical and legal industries.
Cannabis advocacy groups do not represent the cannabis industry. It is true we won’t always agree or work together on all issues. He said that our independence was a strength, and not a weakness. This is what makes us credible and gives our power a boost over time. Whoever wants to see a reasonable and lasting normalization of marijuana needs this independent power operating at full force.”
The letter says that there is a real urgency to have a more “detailed, coordinated dialogue” between leaders in the industry and independent advocacy institutions about the best way forward.
Yes, it means a renewed commitment to financial support. This also means a more strategic alignment between our shared goals and purpose, as we face our common challenges. He said that neither industry or advocacy can succeed on their own. Maybe you weren’t aware of what was going on. It wasn’t up to you. Now you’re aware. “Now you know.