Building on a Nearly a Century of Safe, Responsible Alcohol Regulation

The transition from Prohibition to legal status for alcohol has been an American success story.

Since the enactment of the 21st  Amendment, a safe, consumer-centric and economically vibrant marketplace has developed — one that serves the dual needs of regulators and consumers. While individual regulations have been modified over time, the basic federal regulatory structure of permitting and tax collection has stood the test of time.

Twenty-one states and the District of Columbia have legalized adult-use cannabis, yet the markets in these states remain illegal under federal law. The current conflict between state and federal cannabis law is not only currently causing adverse consequences for consumers and non-consumers alike but will have long term public health and safety costs that are too great to ignore.

Ultimately, we believe that the societal cost of inaction is too great and that the time has come for Congress to act. Legalization of cannabis is a big task with many layers worthy of serious discussion and benefits from ever-growing nationwide public support.

As policymakers consider the future of adult-use cannabis, America’s wine and spirits wholesalers believe it is important to share the learnings of our industry and advocate for comprehensive federal reform and regulation.

The Four Pillars of Safe, Responsible Cannabis Legalization & Regulation

WSWA’s four principles for federal adult-use cannabis regulation build on the successes of the federal beverage alcohol regulatory model.