Cannabis and COVID-19: A Conversation with the American Bar Association and US General Counsel Kelly Fair

On April 24th, 2020 the American Bar Association presented “Cannabis and COVID-19: How a Federally Illegal Drug Continues to Exist as an “Essential Business” at the State Level.” Hosted by the law firm Wilson Elser, the panel featured Andrew Kline, Director of Public Policy, NCIA, Sal Barnes, Managing Director at MPG Consulting, and Kelly Fair, US General Counsel at Canopy Growth Corporation. The session discusses why some states have declared cannabis essential during the COVID-19 crisis and how it will impact cannabis legalization efforts.

Kelly Fair spoke about the industry leadership role Canopy Growth has played by supplying the FDA with evidence of the safe consumption of CBD in various formats and dosages. This involvement in US hemp regulation has opened doors for the company to lobby for legalized cannabis in all forms while also maintaining a federally legal business traded on the US stock exchange. Under the current CARES Act, marijuana businesses, both direct and indirect, are completely exempt from aid, and while hemp businesses should apply for relief, they may also be denied if they have derived any revenue from sales or services to direct marijuana businesses.

Kelly also highlighted the 2019 growing season that allowed CGC to create new jobs in diverse communities across the nation showcasing the role the cannabis industry can play in helping the economy. In Kelly’s own words, “when we come out of COVID-19 we’re going to be dealing with the devastating financial aftermath and any industry that presents itself as being essential will be vital to revitalizing the economy.”