Washington, D.C.--Tom Cole, the longest-serving Chairman of the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), has called upon his colleagues in the beverage alcohol industry to support the organization's new policy stance on federal legalization and regulation of adult-use cannabis.
Speaking at the Association's annual Access LIVE event, Cole urged industry members to utilize the lessons learned from the alcohol marketplace to help shape the emerging cannabis sector.
Cole highlighted the beverage alcohol industry's commitment to public health and safety as a distinguishing factor, stating that the successful state-based regulatory model should be part of the cannabis legalization discussion.
He encouraged his colleagues to support WSWA's efforts and contribute their expertise to the ongoing conversations in Capitol Hill.
WSWA President & CEO Francis Creighton participated in a fireside chat, discussing the importance of wholesalers entering the policy debate and their potential contributions.
Creighton criticized the federal government's inaction on cannabis, emphasizing the lack of federal standards for testing, potency, and accurate labeling.
Creighton also pointed out the absence of federal health and safety standards, which has allowed the illicit market to thrive and organized crime to infiltrate the supply chain.
He warned that addressing the issue " piecemeal" would lead to de facto federal legalization without addressing product safety, trade practices, or interstate sales and enforcement.
Last month, WSWA sent a letter to Congress members, presenting a comprehensive federal regulatory framework and emphasizing the need for a robust approach to cannabis legalization and regulation.
Learn more in this report.