Below is the full brief – the key phrase penned by Shanita Penny Executive Director is….. That being said, let’s start with what we know.
Which as you’ll see, like everybody else, is nothing much
Welcome to the CPEAR Joint Brief |
Friends,
Welcome to the 2025 edition of the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation’s (CPEAR) newsletter! As we embark on another exciting year, we remain committed to keeping you informed about the latest developments in the cannabis and intoxicating cannabinoids space. We’ve only just stepped into 2025, and January has been a whirlwind of activity. With President Trump’s inauguration on January 20th and a Republican trifecta in control in Washington, D.C., many questions are swirling on what comes next for cannabis reform. That being said, let’s start with what we know. The biggest developments in the nation’s capital have been the Senate confirmation hearings for cabinet-level positions and President Trump’s executive orders. The White House has not yet issued any executive order addressing cannabis or intoxicating hemp policy. Noteworthy on the Hill, Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) Jr. had two confirmation hearings with the Senate Committee on Finance and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) as he seeks to become the next Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). While RFK Jr. did not mention cannabis during his confirmation hearings, the HHS nominee has expressed strong support for comprehensive cannabis reform, arguing that the federal government should decriminalize and tax retail sales of cannabis products and permit businesses to access banking services. As the federal cannabis landscape continues to evolve, we look forward to providing you with resources on cannabis policy and keeping you updated on what’s next. We are also excited to share other updates, including CPEAR’s latest events, Center of Excellence (COE) content, and much more. Best, Shanita Penny Executive Director, CPEAR |
Their other updates
Conversations that Matter |
To kick off the new year and legislative session, CPEAR hosted a Welcome Back to Congress reception in partnership with the Cannabis Freedom Alliance on Capitol Hill. This event provided a meaningful opportunity for CPEAR members to engage with congressional staffers and cannabis policy experts as cannabis reform priorities take shape under the Trump administration. Discussions centered on CPEAR’s mission to create a comprehensive federal regulatory framework and the importance of public health and safety.
These types of gatherings underscore the importance of cannabis reform and reinforce CPEAR’s commitment to building and maintaining strong relationships on both sides of the political spectrum. Together, we can work toward advancing a comprehensive national cannabis regulatory framework that protects communities, provides sensible guardrails, and respects the rights of each state. |
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CPEAR’s Center of Excellence Research |
Workplace safety takes center stage in CPEAR’s analysis of cannabis testing. CPEAR’s COE explores the issue’s medical, scientific, legal, and ethical dimensions, advocating for a science- and equity-centered framework to guide workplace policies in the era of cannabis legalization. This month, the Annapolis City Council in Maryland voted to end cannabis testing for most public employees. Similarly, employers across the United States are grappling with the complexities of THC testing in light of varying legal statuses of intoxicating hemp-derived products. Our research aligns with the growing need for employers to update their policies to reflect the changing legal landscape of cannabis use while maintaining workplace safety.
Read CPEAR’s recommendations here. |
Reimagining Workplace Cannabis TestingWorkplace safety takes center stage in this analysis of cannabis testing. It explores the medical, scientific, legal, and ethical dimensions of the issue, advocating for a science- and equity-centered framework to guide workplace policies in the era of cannabis legalization. |
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CPEAR in the News |
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Coming Up |
Next month, CPEAR will host an Ask Me Anything session focused on intoxicating hemp, bringing together leading experts to discuss regulatory developments, industry trends, and other key considerations shaping this space. We will share full event details in the coming weeks. In the meantime, we encourage you to start preparing your questions and stay engaged for what promises to be an insightful discussion! |
About CPEARFounded in 2021, CPEAR strives to be a trusted, science-driven resource for lawmakers and the broader stakeholder community. The coalition consists of members representing regulated industries, academics, think tanks, public safety officials, medical and mental health professionals, financial services firms, and social equity organizations, all developing policy and building a national conversation on federal cannabis regulation. |