The Daily Briefing 3.26.2021

The White House is facing heat from Congress over its termination of five staff members who have used marijuana. The lawmakers criticize the Biden administration for being “out of step” with broad public support for cannabis reform and going easy on those who consume, or have consumed, the drug. Marijuana is now legal in 14 states and Washington, D.C., and some states have also changed laws banning pre-employment screenings for pot. Yet this dustup also sheds light on Biden’s less than forthcoming policy agenda on marijuana. As states rush to legalize, members of congress are calling for ending federal-level prohibition, while Biden has not clarified where he stands on the issue since the campaign, when he opposed federal legalization.

Meanwhile, Dr. Vivek Murthy is back as Surgeon General— reprising the role he had during the Obama years—and is facing an agenda of drug crises, in addition to the COVID-19 pandemic. During his first go round, Murthy was outspoken about the worsening opioid epidemic and surging e-cigarette use. During his confirmation hearings, he called for expanded access to overdose reversal medications and medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

And finally, can texting and tracking patients’ pain levels help reduce post-operative use of prescription opioid painkillers? A new study found that more than half of the pills go unused when monitored for pain and usage.

The Daily Briefing 3.23.2021

The danger of increased methamphetamine use is back in the spotlight as a group of bipartisan congressional lawmakers introduces a bill to declare meth an emerging drug threat—and to direct the Office of Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to establish a comprehensive program to prevent addiction and overdose death. The bill recognizes that meth has returned as a national drug crisis, with overdose deaths spiking 42 percent in a single year and the largest seizures on record of the drug. The bill comes as pressure is building for the Biden administration to take action on a number of drug crises—including the opioid epidemic—which have so far not been a top priority.

Meanwhile, a report in the Los Angeles Times busts another myth about marijuana legalization in California—that it will promote social equity, and help those hit hardest by the war on drugs. The program was first praised as a kind of reparation for failed drug policies, but many would-be entrepreneurs complain that the sluggish rollout of the program is actually hurting those it was meant to help.

And finally, congressional lawmakers have tabled a bill that would ensure the Sackler family, who control the opioid maker Purdue Pharma, would not be immune from prosecution in nationwide opioid lawsuits. If Purdue’s current bankruptcy plan were approved by the court family members would receive immunity from the nearly 3,000 lawsuits filed by states, counties, cities and tribes seeking compensation for the costs of the opioid crisis. The company is accused of downplaying addiction risks of its best-selling opioid painkiller OxyContin and encouraging overprescribing, which has contributed to the deaths of more than 500,000 Americans over the past two decades.

The Daily Briefing 3.22.2021

Marijuana use is increasing dramatically among older adults, leading doctors to voice concerns about the safety of the drug for those over 65. One study estimates that cannabis consumption in this demographic has jumped 75 percent from 2015 to 2018, and accelerated even further during the COVID-19 pandemic. Analysts say contributing factors include lockdown stress, legalization and a backlash against opioids. And as is true with so many debates about legalization, the policy is moving way ahead of the science: physicians warn that the data is still very unclear about the safety of medical marijuana, and whether or not they actually help medically. While some studies show that pot can alleviate nausea from chemotherapy and certain types of chronic pain, the impact is usually modest.

Meanwhile, as lawmakers in New York State hash out a new marijuana legalization bill, the New York Daily News has published an editorial urging the legislature to include a ban all driving while under the influence of pot. It notes that every state that has legalized marijuana had seen an increase in impaired driving, along with more crashes, injuries and fatalities. Another reason: there are no reliable tests for drug-related DUI as we have for alcohol, making it hard for law enforcement to control.

And finally, there are conflicting rulings from the White House about marijuana policy and hiring staff. At first, the Biden administration signaled that past pot use wouldn’t necessarily disqualify a person from employment, a reversal from previous presidents. Now, it seems that 5 staff members have been let go for using pot in the past—highlighting how murky the guidelines are. For example, some staff members that did consume marijuana are being allowed to stay on, after signing a pledge not to use while working for the government and submit to random drug testing. The conflict reflects confusion about broader marijuana policy, as progressives try to secure support from President Biden for more far reaching cannabis reform, while he favors a moderate approach in line with existing science.

The Daily Briefing 3.18.2021

Who will President Biden pick to be the nation’s “drug czar”? Speculation is growing he’ll tap former West Virginia health commissioner Rahul Gupta for the job, which coordinates national drug policy. Gupta, now a top official at the advocacy group March of Dimes, won praise for tackling opioid overdose in the state, and is backed by influential West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin. But Gupta was also criticized during his tenure for shutting down a needle exchange program aimed at reducing the transmission of HIV/AIDS. The drug czar post may be brought back to a cabinet-level position, an appropriate move at a time when drug overdose fatalities have reached a record level and Biden is promising a robust response to the opioid epidemic.

Meanwhile, concern is growing over the growing number of overdose deaths among Latinos. Although CDC does not classify deaths by race, data has recently emerged about higher rates among certain groups, including Blacks and Latinos. In Maryland, for example, deaths last year related to opioid use among Latinos increased 27.3 percent among Latinos, compared to 13 percent for non-Hispanic whites. Latino adults have experienced more depression and suicidal thoughts than other groups during the pandemic, according to a CDC report, and there is a shortage of bilingual behavioral health professionals.

And finally, New Jersey lawmakers are still haggling over the state’s new marijuana legalization law. Potential amendments include provisions on workplace rules and underage use, which now allows law enforcement to notify parents—but only after a second or third offense. Critics say this unfairly binds the hands of police and leaves parents in the dark about drug use.  

The Daily Briefing 3.17.2021

Victims of the opioid epidemic may be able to claim up to $48,000 in compensation from Purdue Pharma, the maker of highly addictive OxyContin, according to an analysis of the company’s latest bankruptcy proposal. Under the terms of the offer, aimed at settling nationwide opioid litigation, covered injuries include overdose deaths, addiction and babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome, caused by exposure to opioids in the womb. Payouts would depend on the severity of an individual’s injury or addiction, and come from a $750 million trust established by Purdue, which is facing more than 100,000 personal-injury lawsuits related to the firm’s flagship prescription painkiller. If approved by a bankruptcy court, the firm will also set up trusts to fund opioid abatement and treatment programs.

Meanwhile, New York State lawmakers are inching toward agreement on a marijuana legalization bill, but are stuck on how to address impaired driving under the influence of pot. There’s no roadside test for marijuana or THC, making law enforcement difficult. The impasse came about after legislators acknowledged a significant increase in traffic accidents and fatalities in legal marijuana states.

And finally, as legislators in Albany hash out the legalization measure, they should be aware of a new survey that finds broad support overall for legalization in New York—but also resistance to allowing pot shops in neighborhoods. While 61 percent of New Yorkers favor legalization, 52 percent of New York City residents would chose an opt-out close banning marijuana sales where they live. This disconnect mirrors trends in other legal states—including California, Colorado and Oregon—where a majority of localities don’t want a marijuana retail presence in their backyard.

The Daily Briefing 3.16.2021

Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, has made a new offer to settle nationwide opioid litigation, increasing its contribution and guaranteeing that funding will go toward helping individuals and communities devastated by the opioid epidemic. In a filing to bankruptcy court, Purdue upped its offer to $4.2 billion over a decade—from around $3 billion—mostly from members of the firm’s founding Sackler family, who would relinquish control of the company. And it proposed setting up trust funds to handle distribution of the money to victims, hospitals and Native American organizations, rather than going into the general coffers of state and local governments. Purdue is not out of the woods yet, as a bankruptcy court and tens of thousands of parties to the litigation must approve the settlement proposal.

Meanwhile, Kevin Sabet writes in the New York Post that the $1.9 trillion COVID relief package will deliver $100 billion to New York State to shore up its budget shortfall—thereby eliminating one of the main arguments that Big Post uses to push for marijuana legalization. Legalization would also fail to create an “equitable” industry, wipe out the illicit market, and keep the drug away from young people, Sabet writes.

And finally, legal weed is also under debate in Rhode Island, where lawmakers are discussing two major questions: how much revenue will be generated from legalization, and would this have to go toward the increased costs associated with addiction that legalization is expected to cause? Unlike other legal states, Rhode Island is considering these issues before it moves ahead with allowing easier access to weed.

The Daily Briefing 3.15.2021

Drug overdose deaths soared last year in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic, and evidence now suggests that Black Americans may have suffered the heaviest toll. Although the CDC doesn’t track drug deaths by race, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania say data collected in Philadelphia show that overdoses climbed more than 50 percent among the city’s Black residents, while among whites fatalities remained flat and in some months even declined. Analysts say that people of color and poor Americans generally face a harder time accessing addiction treatment and are less likely to be given addiction withdrawal medications as part of treatment.

Meanwhile, officials in Maine are also concerned about the state’s staggering increase in drug overdoses last year to a record 502—a nearly 30 percent increase over the previous year. Maine was just getting a handle on the addiction crisis when the pandemic hit, bringing isolation and depression and cutting many people off from treatment, while their struggles were obscured by efforts to contain the virus. Across the country, drug-related overdoses spiked in 2020 to more than 83,000 during the 12-month period ending in June, the highest level ever recorded in a year.

And finally, Mexico is about to legalize marijuana, a landmark policy change that would make the country the world’s largest market for the drug—but don’t expect a “green” profit wave to materialize anytime soon. Analysts say a majority of Mexicans oppose legalization, and there’s relatively low domestic demand compared to Canada, another legal country. And if Mexican drug cartels expect to make money by exporting marijuana, they will face competition from the 13 states in the U.S. that allow legal sales of the drug.

The Daily Briefing 3.11.2021

President Biden has promised an all-out assault on the nation’s opioid crisis, with significant resources to be allocated for harm reduction, law enforcement and significantly expanding drug treatment. But so far, says the editorial board of Bloomberg, there’s been little forthcoming from the White House. More than 500,000 Americans have died from drug overdose since 1999, and illicit illegal fentanyl is fueled a spike in fatalities last year record high of more than 80,000. As cash-strapped states cut back on resources for addiction treatment, Bloomberg urges President Biden and Congress to take action to bring the crisis under control.

Meanwhile, Mexico is set to legalize marijuana, making it the largest legal cannabis market in the world. Yet the move to legalize in Mexico is going ahead despite widespread public opposition, and doubts that the move would deter the rising level of drug cartel violence, as pro-pot groups claim.

And finally, while many states are considering curbs on marijuana products with dangerously high levels of intoxicating THC—due its impact on public health— Alaska might go in the other direction and increase the amount of the psychoactive compound allowed in edible pot. Under pressure from the cannabis industry, the state’s marijuana control board is studying doubling the amount of THC from its current level, the most restrictive in the country. Opponents in Alaska argue that the more potent pot used today has already led to an increase in calls to poison control centers and traffic crashes and fatalities.

The Daily Briefing 3.10.2021

A movement is growing in several states to enact legislation that limits high levels of intoxicating THC in marijuana products, after new scientific research showed the substance is associated with cases of psychosis and cognitive impairment in young people. Colorado is considering such curbs for all adult-use marijuana, while Florida is looking at medical marijuana, with sponsors of a bill saying high-potency pot s being abused by doctors and patients as well as recreational users. Any measures to limit easier access to marijuana face strong opposition from the cannabis industry, which argues that any regulation will lead us back to the days of Reefer Madness.

Meanwhile, more news on THC: a new study finds that the psychoactive component of pot persists in breast milk when mothers used marijuana during pregnancy—and even after successfully abstaining. The report, in JAMA Pediatrics, called for early marijuana abstention to limit the effects of THC on fetal brain development.

And finally, a hard-hitting op-ed in the online Connecticut Mirror calls out Gov. Ned Lamont of Connecticut for pursuing fast track marijuana legalization, saying there’s “only talk of money” and no debate about “poisoning our children and adolescents.” The article also questions the notion that legalization will help communities of color through new business opportunities, asserting that it will also get their children hooked on marijuana.

The Daily Briefing 3.8.2021

The market for legal medical marijuana in the United States is booming, with 36 states and the District of Columbia having legalized the drug for a range of illnesses. Yet so far there is little scientific evidence to demonstrate that medical marijuana has any of the purported benefits that producers claim. What’s more, the product remains largely unregulated and anything but safe, according to a new book summarized in the New York Times. In fact, most of the same health concerns raised decades ago about using medical marijuana therapeutically remain unresolved, even as the potency of pot—and its intoxicating THC component—have dramatically increased. For example, proponents say medical pot can be an effective treatment for everything from pain to glaucoma and multiple sclerosis, but no scientific studies or randomized control trials have shown this to be true.

Meanwhile, the Federal Trade Commission has finally started a long awaited law enforcement crackdown to stop the deceptive marketing of CBD products that contain the non-psychoactive component of marijuana. It has settled with six companies over their unsupported health claims that CBD can treat or prevent cancer, AIDS, heart disease and Alzheimer’s, among other diseases. The FTC says the action—creatively called CBDeceit—will send a clear message to the CBD industry.

And finally, former congressman Patrick Kennedy, who many believe is a top contender to be President Biden’s Drug Czar, has spoken out against growing opposition to his possible nomination from pro-pot lobbyists. Kennedy, who is in recovery, said the country is facing a trade-off between commercializing an addictive product and “paying the price down the road” with all the people who will suffer from addiction.

The Daily Briefing 3.5.2021

Congress is following up the case of four drug industry giants who have reached a combined $26 billion settlement for their role in the opioid epidemic, and now plan to recoup more than $1 billion for legal costs. Lawmakers have expressed concern about a possible misuse of a tax provision intended to help companies struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic—not to provide a cash refund to firms that contributed to a nationwide drug crisis. And they have asked the companies—Johnson & Johnson, AmeriSourceBergen, McKesson and Cardinal Health—to commit to not using the tax loophole.

Meanwhile, Long Island prosecutors have taken the unusual step of indicting a former doctor for murdering five of his patients whose deaths were opioid-related after he prescribed prescription painkillers for them. It is the first time in New York that a doctor has been charged under the legal theory that “depraved indifference” led to the patients’ deaths. Other states and communities ravaged by the opioid epidemic have brought similar cases, but there have been few convictions as the burden of proof is high.

And finally, a new study shows teens that misuse opioids are more likely to exhibit suicidal behaviors. About one of every three high school students that misused prescription opioids had attempted suicide, according to a study in Pediatrics. Misuse could stem from relieving physical pain from a medical procedure, curiosity, socializing or succumbing to peer pressure.

The Daily Briefing 3.4.2021

The U.S. cannabis industry had a banner year in 2020, as COVID-19 lockdowns and related anxiety (along with boredom, no doubt) drove sales to a record $17.5 billion—a 46 percent increase from 2019, according to cannabis sales platform RDSA. Also fueling sales: weed dispensaries were deemed “essential businesses” in many states amid stay-at-home orders, and new adult-use marijuana markets opened in Illinois and Arizona. Cannabis delivery companies also made a killing—with customer use up 25 percent—as they were well positioned to capitalize on the pandemic. Still, legal pot hasn’t yet wiped out the illicit market—as pro-pot groups claim—estimated to be worth more than $100 billion each year. And there’s no mention, of course, of the increased costs for aw enforcement, healthcare and addiction treatment services.

Meanwhile, Virginia’s recently approved marijuana legalization law is being criticized for severely limited the ability of municipalities to opt out of allowing dispensaries. It would give localities only one year (2022) to hold a prohibition referendum before the law goes into effect in 2024, without further recourse. In Vermont, the legalization law takes a different approach: it requires towns to opt in through a public vote if they want pot shops. So far only about 10 percent of Vermont municipalities have put the matter up for a vote since legalization in 2020. Despite opinion polls showing strong public support for legalization, local opposition remains strong: only 40 percent of Colorado counties allow sales, and 25 percent in California.

The Daily Briefing 3.3.2021

The Daily Briefing 3.2.2021

More than a month into President Biden’s administration, concern is growing that he is not moving quickly enough to launch a major initiative to combat the opioid epidemic and address the national crisis of drug addiction. Although critics understand that he is focused on COVID-19 and other priorities, they believe the time is slipping away for him to take action—and that the longer the president waits, the more difficult it may be launch a more aggressive strategy. As a result, addiction could end up being the major issue that gets left behind, at a time when overdose deaths are worse than ever: more than 86,000 fatalities were reported for the 12-month period ending in July—the highest ever recorded in a one year period—and could rise to over 100,000 for all of 2020. During the campaign, Biden promised a $125 billion program over the next decade to confront the opioid crisis by expanding treatment, education, prevention and professional training for addiction personnel.

Reforms currently on the table include billions of new dollars for recovery services, deregulation of addiction treatment medications, making permanent many of the 2020’s emergency teleheatlh allowances, and scaling up harm-reduction programs such as needle exchanges. Without a White House plan, however, lawmakers are considering piecemeal legislation to accomplish those goals, which may not be as large or effective as a comprehensive approach. Now is the time for President Biden to lead on this issue, and to include the drug crisis as a national priority.

The Daily Briefing 3.1.2021

The Denver Post editorial board is taking a strong stand backing curbs on marijuana products with high levels of THC—the psychoactive component that gets you high—after Colorado doctors report an alarming spike in patients suffering psychosis, especially in young people. Colorado has been a pioneer in pot legalization, but it’s only now that officials are becoming aware of its dangers, citing research studies in prominent medical journals showing that marijuana with THC levels of up to 90 percent poses a “substantial risk” to mental health. And, that it’s relatively easy for teens in the state to purchase the maximum allowable amount of such concentrates. The paper isn’t calling for the re-criminalization of marijuana, but for “shutting down the pipeline to our schools” as essential for public health and safety and protecting teens—all the more reason for states considering legalization to impose a temporary pause, until we can fully assess the impact on consumers.

Meanwhile, the Biden White House says it will allow people to apply for jobs in the administration if they have used marijuana recreationally—that is, if they agree not to use while working and submit to drug screenings. The White House wants to open up the pool of possible applications, especially young people, a spokesman said, which might be difficult for some without a waiver dismissing prior pot use.

And finally, Texas is not a legal marijuana state, but that isn’t stopping enterprising businesses from selling a new type of hemp-derived product—called Delta 8—that gets you high but doesn’t circumvent current laws. Hemp is legal, and the new product is an example of how industrious entrepreneurs are creating myriad new offerings with different marketing angles, using the country’s fractured laws on recreational pot.

The Daily Briefing 2.25.2021

The head of consulting giant McKinsey was ousted from his position after coming under fire for his handling of the firm’s $573 million settlement of claims related to the firm’s work for opioid maker Purdue Pharma. The executive, Kevin Sneader, had apologized for the company’s behavior, saying McKinsey fell short of its standards and did not acknowledge the unfolding opioid epidemic and the its terrible impact—and that did not sit well with executives who wanted Sneader to fight back rather than settle. McKinsey was facing criminal penalties for advising Purdue on ways to boost marketing of its highly addictive prescription painkillers that helped fueled the opioid crisis.

Meanwhile, a new study finds that use of methamphetamine and fentanyl surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the Pacific region, and coincided with an increase in synthetic-opioid related deaths. The U.S. had the highest level of drug overdose deaths ever recorded for the 12-month period ending June 2020. And finally, not everyone is backing the rush to legalize marijuana in Connecticut: the state’s Police Chiefs Association says the move would lead to more driving under the influence arrests and underage marijuana use. The cops note that there is no definitive roadside test to determine whether a driver is under the influence of marijuana.

The Daily Briefing 2.24.2021

Opposition continues to grow to one of the leading contenders to run the Food and Drug Administration, Dr. Janet Woodcock, because of her role at the agency at a time when the opioid epidemic took off. Woodcock, currently interim chair of the agency, served as the FDA’s “top drug cop” and under her rule approved highly addictive prescription opioids without adequate warning labels, that later fueled a surge in opioid-related overdose deaths—more than 450,000 over the past two decades. Many criticize that lack of oversight as the “worst regulatory agency failure in American history.”

Now an array of groups including physicians, public health and patient-advocacy organizations are lining up to oppose Woodcock’s nomination. They cite many egregious errors during Woodcock’s time, including the approval in 2015 to use OxyContin in patients as young as 11 years old, and in 2018, approval of a fentanyl analogue that’s 1,000 times more potent than morphine—even though one of the FDA’s own advisory chairs predicted that the drug would lead to more abuse and death. There are many excellent candidates to run the FDA and they should be considered, as the nation confronts a record level of drug overdose deaths.

Meanwhile, the cannabis industry is under pressure to address the issue of teenage pot use, as a number of studies point to increased consumption in states where marijuana is legal. One survey in California found that respondents were 23 percent more likely to have used marijuana since legalization in 2015; another study in Colorado also pointed increased use among teens. As a result, discussion is growing in Colorado and elsewhere on possible curbs on high-potency cannabis, which has been linked to psychotic disorders. Of course, this is happening only after marijuana has been legalized, which is why we urge politicians and lawmakers in states with legal pot on the agenda to consider a moratorium until we know more about the public health impact of the drug.

The Daily Briefing 2.23.2021

President Biden’s nominee for attorney general, Merrick Garland, says the Justice Department would take a hands-off approach when it comes to cannabis enforcement, adding that it’s not “useful” for states with legal marijuana to pursue prosecutions. Speaking during his nomination hearings, Garland also noted that marijuana enforcement as practiced now is a perfect example of how the criminal justice system is racially biased and disproportionately impacts communities of color. Garland’s hearing is the first indication of what the Biden administration’s policies would be concerning marijuana, and comes at a time when there is growing congressional support for federal-level legalization of the drug—a move that President Biden has so far resisted.

Meanwhile, New Jersey becomes the 14th state nationwide to legalize adult-use recreational marijuana, and a major player in the Northeast market where several neighboring states—including New York and Connecticut—are also pushing for cannabis reform. Sales in New Jersey are legal for adults 21 and older, but penalties for underage possession were watered down amid opposition from pro-pot advocates. Northeast governors say legalization will help boost economies hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic, although marijuana sales forecasts suggest revenue will not be significant for many years.

And finally, a preliminary study by Brown University finds that the use of telemedicine improved the therapeutic relationship with patients being treated for opioid use disorder. The small study, in Rhode Island, shows that both patients and counselors were satisfied with telephone counseling and wanted to continue it after the pandemic. On-site drug treatment has been severely curtailed during coronavirus lockdowns, forcing providers to use remote methods that are regarded as helpful for many with substance use disorder but should not be a replacement for in-person treatment.

The Daily Briefing 2.22.2021

One month into his presidency, President Biden has yet to directly address the drug crisis as the COVID-19 pandemic rightly takes center stage. But that hasn’t stopped the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy from outlining the administration’s drug policy priorities. In twitter messages, ONDCP said President Biden would pursue responses “rooted in science and evidence to bend the curve” of the epidemic, with a focus on treatment, prevention, harm reduction, expanding the addiction workforce and reducing the supply of substances. “With more than 200 overdoses a day, there’s no time to waste,” ONDCP concluded. Biden has also been slow to appoint a new chief of the Food and Drug Administration, a sprawling nearly $6 billion agency that oversees everything from prescription drugs to tobacco products and e-cigarettes. Holding up an appointment is growing pushback against one top candidate, Dr. Janet Woodcock, the acting commissioner who ran an FDA department that authorizes medications. The FDA has been criticized for inadequate handling of opioid drug approvals and monitoring that many say contributed to the opioid epidemic.

And finally, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has signed the law enacting marijuana legalization after a stalemate over provisions for underage use led to a months-long delay. Originally, low-level use and possession by anyone under 21 would have been subject to criminal penalties, fines and mandatory treatment; after protests, this was watered down to a 3-tier “warning system” that includes notifying parents and referral to community services.

The Daily Briefing 2.18.2021

President Biden has repeated his policy goal of decriminalizing illegal drugs and diverting funds no longer needed for law enforcement for rehabilitation. Speaking at a town hall meeting, Biden said that “nobody should be imprisoned for using an illegal drug,” reinforcing statements made during the campaign that the decades-long “war on drugs” had essentially failed to stop the drug crisis and the ongoing high level of drug overdose fatalities. Biden has promised a massive $125 billion program over the next decade to combat the opioid epidemic, with a focus on expanding treatment, education and prevention.

Meanwhile, life expectancy in the U.S. dropped by one full year during the first half of 2020, due largely to the COVID-19 pandemic but also because of the surge in overdose deaths to more than 83,000 in the 12-month period ending last June—a 20 percent increase over the previous year and the highest number of fatal overdoses every recorded in the country in a single year.

And finally, Governor Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania is all-in for legalizing marijuana this year, claiming that profits from pot sales would help the state recover from the COVID-related economic downturn. He said the money would go to help historically disadvantaged businesses owned by people of color and communities harmed by marijuana criminalization, but he did not forecast how much money would be generated and when the state might get it. Legalization in Pennsylvania would create a sold block of Northeast states with easier access to pot, as New York and Connecticut are also considering cannabis reform and New Jersey will soon implement its legalization bill.