Welcome to the CPEAR Joint Brief |
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Friends, As CPEAR marks its fourth anniversary this month, we take pride in the journey that has brought us here. Over the years, we’ve built a dynamic community of advocates, published impactful research, and contributed thoughtful perspectives to regulatory discussions. Our “Ask Me Anything” webinars have become a trusted platform for meaningful engagement, fostering conversations that help shape the future of cannabis policy. These efforts have positioned us as a reliable source in advancing common-sense cannabis policy. As we enter Cannabis Awareness Month, the DEA is promoting an “Anti-420 Day” youth prevention contest encouraging high school and college students to create videos highlighting the dangers of THC use among young people. This campaign reflects the growing importance of addressing youth cannabis use and fostering informed decision-making among younger generations. Continue reading for our Center of Excellence’s “Addressing Youth and Cannabis” paper, which provides a deeper exploration of this critical issue. CPEAR_Cannabis-Youth-Prevention_Policypaper_During a joint hearing of the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees this month, powerful testimony highlighted the urgent need to complete the federal marijuana rescheduling process and support access to alternative therapies like cannabis and psychedelics. This push is driven by the critical need to address conditions such as chronic pain and PTSD, which affect so many veterans. Meanwhile, the tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China are set to have a profound impact on the U.S. cannabis industry. Many brands rely on packaging materials from China while cultivators use fertilizers that may soon be subject to these tariffs. Additionally, hemp drink companies depend on aluminum from Canada for packaging their products. These tariffs could drive up costs for essential goods, potentially affecting consumer spending and industry competitiveness. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we’re more committed than ever to continuing our mission of providing science-driven insights that inform and guide decision-makers. We hope you will join us for our Spring Happy Hour on April 15 for a chance to connect with advocates, industry leaders, and congressional staff as we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of cannabis policy. Best, Shanita Penny Executive Director, CPEAR |
