Roundtable: Cannabis Legalization - Examining the Impact of the Changing Landscape

Session Submission Type: Roundtable Sessions

Abstract/Description

Cannabis legalization is expanding exponentially across the country. The cannabis industry is considered America’s fastest-growing job sector. Indeed, Forbes estimates that the U.S. cannabis industry will reach over $50.7 billion in annual sales by 2028. However, like most, if not all legislation, there are unintended consequences. This panel will address some of the potential implications, particularly in light of the continued expansion of legalized recreational and medicinal cannabis. More specifically, we will discuss the challenges of measuring cannabis impairment and the subsequent legal implications for law enforcement and business owners. We will also address the rollout of cannabis consumption lounges and how they differ from dispensaries as we consider their potential impact. Lastly, we will examine whether ease of accessibility through legalization is related to adverse behavioral and medical events, particularly among youth, and consider this through the lens of affirmative defenses.

Sub Unit

• Area XIV. Roundtables

Individual Presentations

• Measuring Cannabis Impairment: Implications for Law Enforcement and Business Owners - Kimberly Houser, Rowan University

• Cannabis Consumption Lounges: How they Differ from Dispensaries and What this Means from a Policy Perspective - Jay Szkola, Rowan University

• Cannabis Legalization: Implications for Public Health - Christine Saum, Rowan University

Discussant

• Chelsey Cain, Rowan University