Pubdate: Mon, 16 Mar 2015
Source: USA Today (US)
Copyright: 2015 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc
Contact: http://mapinc.org/url/625HdBMl
Website: http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/index.htm
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/466
Author: Craig Wolf

SAFELY REGULATE MARIJUANA SALES

One of the reasons that the implementation of marijuana legalization 
has stumbled is because these measures failed to structure what an 
effective regulatory model and its market would look like.

While our organization is neutral on the question of legalization, 
there is no denying that the modern three-tier beverage alcohol 
system delivers consumers a wide diversity of products in a manner 
that guarantees product integrity, works to prevent underage access, 
ensures tax revenue for government, and provides regulatory oversight.

Licensed and regulated suppliers can sell only to licensed and 
regulated wholesalers who in turn sell only to licensed and regulated 
establishments.

Regulators and legislators should stop trying to reinvent the wheel. 
A solution has already proved its effectiveness: a three-tier model 
like that used to regulate beverage alcohol would ensure that 
marijuana - if legalized - is properly controlled.

Craig Wolf, president and CEO Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America; 
Washington, D.C.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom