Bringing small cannabis farms and producers from across the United States into the federal cannabis discussion.

On April 30, 2024, the Associated Press reported that the Drug Enforcement Agency has moved to reclassify “marijuana” as a Schedule 3 drug, concurring with a prior recommendation from the federal department of Health and Human Services.

The National Craft Cannabis Coalition has issued a memorandum in response to federal cannabis rescheduling.

Our submitted public comment on the proposed Drug Enforcement Administration rescheduling of cannabis.

The National Craft Cannabis Coalition submitted comment during the public comment period for the proposed federal rescheduling of cannabis, which ran from May 31 to July 22, 2024. While we believe it is clear that cannabis does not belong on any schedule under the Controlled Substance Act, and should be fully descheduled under federal law, similar to tobacco and alcohol, we felt it was important to share our Coalition’s perspective on the matter.

In most states seeking to legalize cannabis, the fundamental task facing state regulators has been to establish a legal cannabis framework that provides consumers with access to legal cannabis while also protecting public health and safety.

The National Craft Cannabis Coalition is pleased to provide thorough recommendations for state-level policies to support small, independent, and craft cannabis producers.

20220920-wsca-home-logo.png
20220920-oc-home-logo.png
20220920-mcca-home-logo.png
20220920-vga-home-logo.png

On September 14, 2022, a short yet significant federal bill entered the federal cannabis conversation.

For the very first time, federal legislation aims to bring small farmers and producers to the table through direct-to-consumer interstate commerce. Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA) is leading the legislation—titled the “Small and Homestead Independent Producers (SHIP) Act”—alongside Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR).

  • “The SHIP act will establish an important direct relationship between consumers and small growers. Like beer from a small brewery or wine from a favorite winery, direct relationships with cannabis farms will be a foundation for a diverse and sustainable cannabis industry. A market where consumers are able to directly support independently owned small farms, locally and across the country, will be a healthier economy as a result. ”

    Micah Sherman, Washington Sun & Craft Growers Association, Washington

  • “The direct-to-consumer model is a necessary tool for any small-scale craft-producing community that is deeply tied to the land on which it creates — whether it produces wine, whiskey, cheese, beer, cannabis, or honey. The legacy cannabis community that has worked so long in the shadows should have the opportunity to join the ranks of other artisan producers across the United States and enjoy the privilege of connecting personally with their adult customers. As is always true with each step cannabis takes towards legality, the greater community stands to reap enormous benefit in the process.”

    Genine Coleman, Origins Council, California

  • “Vermont is a small state with a big reputation for producing world-class agricultural products, and cannabis is no different. The Vermont Growers Association supports the SHIP Act because it will allow Vermont's small cannabis farmers and producers to form viable long-distance relationships with customers across the country, no different from craft beer and cheese products, while creating an equitable space for small and independent businesses in a national cannabis market.”

    Geoffrey Pizzutillo, Vermont Growers Association, Vermont

  • “Maine’s thousands of small- and micro-scale cannabis businesses need the kind of policy that the SHIP Act proposes to share their craft with the country outside the control of cannabis oligopolies in state markets. Too often regulation works against the interests of the small businesses that helped pave the way forward with legalization, limiting entrepreneurship and diminishing consumer choice. To ensure economic opportunities are widespread and maximize societal benefit from legalization, let’s focus on ensuring a route to customers for small businesses independent of the massive-scale distribution controlling so many other industries.”

    Mark Barnett, Maine Craft Cannabis Association, Maine