Cannabis chains of influence from a US perspective

Abstract

Current developments in the global governance arena: where is alcohol headed? J Glob Health 2019; 9: 020305. 16. Casswell S., Rehm J. Reduction in global alcohol-attributable harm unlikely after setback at WHO executive board. Lancet 2020; 395: 1020-1. 17. Casswell S. Why NZ's cannabis bill needs to stop industry from influencing policy. The Conversation. 2019 (17 December). Available at: https://theconversation.com/why-nzs-cannabis-bill-needs-to-stop-industry-from-influencing-policy-128530 (accessed 16 April 2021).

How does the influence of the cannabis industry differ from that of alcohol and tobacco?

“…It is heartening to see that the three commentaries [1–3] on our paper [4] acknowledge that it is timely to consider the influence strategies of the growing legal cannabis sector. Our article focused upon New Zealand experience with a nascent medicinal cannabis industry, but the commentators were able to readily provide examples of similar cannabis industry tactics in their own countries and regions, often on a much larger scale [1,3]. Our central point, also noted by the commentators, is that legal for‐profit cannabis companies are just like other addictive industries with respect to the over‐riding commercial imperative to expand sales and maximize profit, and influencing the regulatory and political environment is a key strategy to achieving that end [1].…”

“…It is heartening to see that the three commentaries [1–3] on our paper [4] acknowledge that it is timely to consider the influence strategies of the growing legal cannabis sector. Our article focused upon New Zealand experience with a nascent medicinal cannabis industry, but the commentators were able to readily provide examples of similar cannabis industry tactics in their own countries and regions, often on a much larger scale [1,3].…”

“…With regard to commonalities with alcohol and tobacco, Jernigan [3] pointed out a number of ways in which US cannabis reform is showing similar features to both the New Zealand experience, and to what has happened with alcohol. Similarly, McCambridge & Madden [1] emphasize the ‘cross‐fertilization of political strategies’ and the need to invest more heavily in a common research strategy.…”