Matt Simon New England Political Director Marijuana Policy Project

Regulation, Sales, and the Marketplace According to a recent report by the Rand Corporation, Vermonters spend approximately $175 million per year on marijuana.* In Massachusetts, which has 10 times the population of Vermont, estimates would likely be around $1.75 billion. *“Considering Marijuana Legalization: Insights for Vermont and Other Jurisdictions,” presented January 21, 2015, to the Vermont Legislature.

The Current Marketplace Before considering the potential public health impacts of marijuana legalization and regulation, we should first consider the public health impacts of Prohibition. Although marijuana is often called a “controlled substance,” under a Prohibition regime there is no control of marijuana production and sale.

Negative Public Health Impacts of Prohibition Illicit dealers do not require ID’s. Illicit dealers do not educate consumers. Illicit dealers may introduce consumers to more dangerous drugs like heroin. Prohibition enriches violent gangs and cartels, undermining public safety. Consumers don’t know the purity or potency of what they are buying.

Benefits of a Regulated Market Purchasers must be 21. Products can be sold with educational materials and warning labels. Regulated stores will not serve as a “gateway” to more dangerous drugs. Regulated markets will take profits away from gangs and cartels. Consumers may purchase products that have been tested for purity and potency.

The Challenge of Regulating Edible and Infused Products Edible marijuana products are metabolized differently by our bodies — there is a delay before they take effect, and the effect lasts much longer. This difference increases the possibility that a person will consume too much and have an unpleasant experience. If not packaged responsibly, edibles may be attractive to underage consumers.

Have Edibles Been a Huge Problem in Colorado? In a word, the answer is no! Although there have been a few tragic incidents associated with overconsumption of edibles, it’s important to remember that over 5 million edible products were sold in Colorado last year. Colorado did adopt new regulations requiring opaque, child-resistant packaging for edibles.

Maureen Dowd’s Experience

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