Something I disagree with: @shaleentitle's stance in this op-ed arguing we should exclude "Big Tobacco" from cannabis markets. I have a big problem with this: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/04/08/opinion/big-tobacco-is-coming-legal-marijuana/

1. Where's the line? should we also exclude "Big Pharma" from developing FDA approved drugs because pharmaceutical companies have lied in the past? Should we exclude oil & gas industry from pivoting to hemp biodiesel & polymer plastics?

2. Should we exclude politically disfavored industries from pivots to new opportunities? Is that what America is about? Do certain groups not deserve Equal Protection of the laws or Equal Opportunity?

3. While @shaleentitle is tilting against "Big Tobacco", let's be real. These exclusions always end up targeting politically weak, poor, and minority populations, regardless of intention.

4. these exclusions will also send investment dollars and business creations abroad. So instead of @AltriaNews investing in American farmers and manufacturers and scientists, those dollars will go to Canada, Mexico, and other countries

5. Another group involved in @AltriaNews's cannabis policy group is the National Association of Convenience Stores ( @NACSonline), which represents the most diverse set of entrepreneurs in multi-unit mass market retail in America.

Banning "Big Tobacco" and their distribution channels from operation competitively disadvantages small operators, who invest heavily in meeting consumer demand with competitively priced products.

6. Banning "Big Tobacco" from cannabis also hurts consumers, who are disadvantaged by higher prices in a less competitive market.

7. Virtually the only group that benefits from excluding competition from the cannabis markets are the incumbent marijuana organizations like @DrugPolicyOrg @NORML and the multi-state marijuana operators whose business models depend on restricted competition

Many multi-state marijuana operators have overinvested in production capacity & high regulatory barriers enacted by campaigns that @shaleentitle has supported directly. If they were to face real competition, these incumbent operators would go out of business in a very short time

8. Worse, the restricted market structures @DrugPolicyOrg @NORML and consultants like @shaleentitle have created at the state level have been a breeding ground for corruption. The @FBI is now investigating political corruption in marijuana licensing in nearly every state

9. I've known @shaleentitle for years and had a lot of respect for her early work on marijuana reform. But in the last few years I feel her advocacy has led to some indefensible positions. Let's debate these issues -- if you dare.

@LarisaBolivar @MJConsumer @cl_kitchens @NACSonline @AFPhq @katiesinq @tolmanbrett @AltriaNews @MolsonCoors @natsfert @IlyaSomin @DirMJCoord @JohnJHudak @NCSLorg