Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America announced an official policy position in favor of a state’s right to establish a legal, well-regulated, adult-use cannabis marketplace.

(Washington, D.C.) - PRESS RELEASE - Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) has announced an official policy position in favor of a state’s right to establish a legal, well-regulated, adult-use cannabis marketplace; it is the first and only beverage alcohol association to do so. In states where cannabis is or will subsequently be legalized, the association calls on the federal government to respect the right of states to legalize cannabis if they adopt cannabis market regulations that meet a framework similar to that governing beverage alcohol.

"Eight decades ago, Americans acknowledged that the Prohibition of alcohol was a failed policy. The state-based system of regulation, adopted after Prohibition, created a U.S. beverage alcohol market that is the safest, most competitive and best regulated in the world," WSWA Acting Executive Vice President, External Affairs, Dawson Hobbs said.

The legal cannabis market continues to expand in the United States, generating $7.2 billion in economic activity in 2016.

WSWA believes that, similar to alcohol, the federal government should give states the power to legalize cannabis, but should ensure they meet an appropriate regulatory threshold.

"Legalization should include regulations that set age restrictions on buyers, as well as license and regulate the supply chain of cannabis, including growers, distributors, retailers and testing laboratories," Stuart said.

WSWA outlined the key components of effective cannabis market regulation, similar to those governing beverage alcohol. These include: