Realizing Equitable & Sustainable Participation in Emerging Cannabis Trades Resolution; RESPECT Resolution
Summary
The RESPECT Resolution urges action to increase equity within cannabis policy and the legal cannabis marketplace. It encourages states and localities to adopt best practices to address disparities, reverse the effects of the War on Drugs, and promote equitable participation in the cannabis industry. The resolution also calls for the federal government to deschedule cannabis at the international level.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the resolution could lead to significant changes in cannabis policy at both the state and federal levels. This includes reduced penalties, increased opportunities for marginalized communities in the cannabis industry, and a potential shift in international drug control treaties. The resolution's impact is contingent on states and localities adopting the recommended best practices.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced criminal penalties for cannabis offenses.
- Increased economic opportunities for marginalized communities in the cannabis industry.
- Reinvestment of cannabis tax revenue into communities affected by the War on Drugs.
- Expungement or sealing of criminal records for cannabis offenses.
- Potential for international cannabis policy reform.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased regulatory burdens on cannabis businesses.
- Possible challenges in implementing equitable licensing practices.
- Uncertainty regarding the impact of interstate commerce on the cannabis marketplace.
- Risk of unintended consequences from changes in cannabis policy.
- Potential for increased public health concerns related to cannabis use.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution's focus on encouraging states and localities to adopt best practices aligns with the principles of federalism, as outlined in the Tenth Amendment, which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states. The resolution's emphasis on addressing disparities and promoting social equity could be seen as consistent with the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause. However, the resolution's call for the federal government to deschedule cannabis at the international level raises questions about the scope of federal power over foreign affairs.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).