How To Get Politicians to Advocate for Cannabis with Doug Kelly #58

How To Get Politicians to Advocate for Cannabis with Doug Kelly #58

What can we do to get politicians to advocate for cannabis?   Some states have been generous to the industry. There is value growers, transporters, infusers and retail owners provide to their communities. Yet, some states have refused to legalize cannabis. Some politicians have limited the business to only a select few. This troubles Doug Kelly, the executive director for the Cannabis Equity IL Coalition. In this episode Doug shares how the sausage is made in the state capital. He shares what he would like to see regarding legislation and regulation. He has advice on what the electorate can do to advocate for cannabis.

Vote for Politicians That Advocate for Cannabis

Most people vote from name recognition. Don’t discern politicians behavior. Voters don’t understand how the process works. Most people don’t look at voting history. They take politicians at their word. Yet too often many fail to follow through for campaign promises. Politicians are only friends to us during the election cycle. They blame others when issues are not addressed.
 
In Illinois there are only five companies who own 90% of the cannabis market in IL.  It’s understandable that these companies like it this way. They are trying to push the awarding of licenses off as long as they can. The less competition the better for their bottom line. Doug says the MSOs say they support social equity, yet the actions are not there.

Cannabis Social Equity Solutions

The solutions Doug would like to see include:

  • Have the judge allow transportation awarded licenses move forward.
  • For craft growers, expand canopy from 5K sq ft to 14K sq ft
  • Complete expungement of conviction records so people can enter the industry.

What can we do to advocate for cannabis. Call your law maker for cannabis, find their stance. Then vote informed. Let’s hold the state accountable.

How to Find Doug Kelly

Politicians Advocate Cannabis

  • https://cannabisequityil.org
  • https://www.instagram.com/CannaequityIL
  • Twitter @CannaequityIL
  • https://www.facebook.com/CannaequityIL

Cannabis Advocate Podcast

The Cannabis Advocate podcast advocates for businesses in the cannabis industry and explores the unique challenges they face. Despite hurdles in legislation, regulation, and culture, there are tremendous opportunities for growers, manufacturers and retail sellers of cannabis products. Many of these issues are unique to the cannabis industry. This podcast speaks to these common concerns and shares stories of success.

This is a production of Habanero Media.  https://habaneromedia.net

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