The legalization of marijuana has far reaching consequences for many different stakeholder groups. At the local jurisdiction level, government entities need to understand their constituents’ concerns about public safety. Marijuana consumers are interested in convenience of obtaining their product, legality of home grows and the assortment of products that will be made available to them. Law enforcement concerns include the potential for increased crime, changes in how resources will be allocated, the effect on the criminal justice system, criminal prosecution and education of the law enforcement community. Industry experts come to the discussion willing to provide awareness of issues that have been solved by or still exist in other states, hoping to offer advice that will avoid previous pitfalls. All of these groups need to be involved in the process and have a voice as the state develops regulations and processes in order to ensure a successful outcome.
One of the factors contributing to the success in Colorado was the strong collaborative approach lead by the Governor, John Hickenlooper. One of his first actions was to form a marijuana task force, consisting of a diverse and broad-based membership. This collaborative approach led to many recommendations that were ultimately approved by the State legislature and formed the basis for creating an effective program. An inclusive culture from the start produced a balanced set of regulations that have become a model for other states.
In Nevada, a recent QuantumMark project, the state developed a proactive approach, creating a series of stakeholder meetings where various topics were discussed and recommendations were given from interest groups on both sides of the issue. Working collaboratively with key industry experts, the state was able to develop a comprehensive set of marijuana lab testing requirements which were more comprehensive and extensive than any state had previously developed.
The value of task forces and stakeholder groups comes not simply out of their formation but from providing them with opportunities to react to the state’s approach to specific topics that will eventually make their way into the regulations, processes and procedures for the marijuana program. Hearing and reconciling differing points of view on any given topic be it square footage for cultivation, windows in green houses, dispensary security or types of edible product, ensures that issues receive a balanced review and that debates are given appropriate attention so that supportable outcomes are achieved. By proactively seeking out stakeholders with industry know how states can be sure policies are consistent with the latest industry information. The result will be state of the art regulations that protect the public interest while addressing the needs of the industry.
QuantumMark specializes in helping states implement marijuana programs, including identification, engagement and facilitation of stakeholder communication. QuantumMark remains current on the marijuana industry and can provide states with valuable insight for effective stakeholder involvement. Visit us on QuantumMark’s new Marijuana Consulting Services web-site or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.