Our Debate is HEATING UP

Further support for THC content regulation in the legalized marijuana industry

DISCLAIMER: This is no way intended to advocate for the manufacture, importation, distribution or use of marijuana for recreational use. The content here is designed to be used in the context of a scenario planning exercise to generate innovative and creative dialogue.

A June 2 analysis piece carried by the International Business Times shows we’re not stoned.

The article raises this question: Marijuana Legalization 2015: Should America Regulate Pot Just Like Alcohol?

http://www.ibtimes.com/marijuana-legalization-2015-should-america-regulate-pot-just-alcohol-1943502

Our readers know where we stand, as homeland security students and practitioners. We’ve been soliciting input on this very concept, by suggesting an app that would generate vital pot potency data in states that don’t have it. How? Counterintuitively, by incentivizing pot sellers to list their dope for sale, along with accurate potency test results, for buyers who all mix and match on the app. Sellers make money. Buyers can find the pot they want at the THC and CBD levels they want. We get data that can be used to promote THC caps later for regulatory agencies.

The news piece carries both sides of the debate. It points out that some states have the same idea that we have: that marijuana should be treated just like another formerly illicit substance in terms of posting content — alcohol. Voters in Oregon and Washington placed weed under the authority of a state liquor control commission or board — the same agency that issues liquor licenses to restaurants and bars, and conducts compliance inspections to make sure these facilities are not selling to minors. Congress is currently considering a bill that would permit all states to regulate and tax marijuana in this manner.

But of all the points of view in the IBT piece, this stands out: Unlike alcohol, health officials really know almost nothing about the risks of marijuana, which makes it hard to determine what potency is appropriate in a pot brownie versus a joint smoked by a cancer patient.

In addition, states that want to set potency standards for potency and dosing don’t do any of that for alcohol. States aren’t set up for that. This will be a huge investment for the day when states have to ensure the safety and quality of their marijuana supplies.

Another argument for reliable and accurate industry self-regulation with the help of Reeferrals data?

What do you think?

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