By Dalton Rosario
The Northeast Corridor has been making leaps and legislative strides in strengthening the anti-prohibition front on the east coast. All inclusive states sponsor comprehensive medicinal cannabis programs; and as of November 20, 2018 the first two recreational pot shops on the east coast have opened in Massachusetts. Neighboring state Connecticut’s Governor-elect Ned Lamont (D) has campaigned in support of pro-cannabis legalization for adult use as to prohibit “the black market controlling marijuana distribution,” and an overwhelming 59% of Connecticut voters polled favorably towards the benefits of recreational cannabis in their state.
Communities are becoming outspoken in their demands for anti-prohibition. Legalization creates immediate revenue streams supported by legislative infrastructure for taxation and regulation that stimulates local economies and drives business from neighboring states. We are experiencing a revolution in reduced barriers to entry for businesses bringing cannabis-related products to market. The opportunity margin projected from legalization across neighboring states opens up channels for production, distribution and retail previously unimaginable. When asked about federal legalization for cannabis last Friday with CNBC, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb stated, “it’s happening at the state level, and I think inevitably that it’s going to happen at the federal level.” The tides of reformation are in our favor.
