Unity in Cannabis: The One Plant Alliance Aims to Bridge Industry Divides

In a bold move to unify the fragmented cannabis industry, the One Plant Alliance has emerged with a call for cohesion across hemp, licensed cannabis, and legacy markets. Spearheaded by industry heavyweights Steve and Andrew DeAngelo, alongside attorney Amber D. Lengacher, the Alliance proposes a unified approach to cannabis regulation under the banner of 'one plant, one policy, one science-based standard.' This initiative seeks to eliminate the competitive disparities that have arisen from the current fragmented regulatory environment

The One Plant Alliance is advocating for a regulatory framework centered around the 'Three Golden Pillars': age verification, product testing, and clear labeling. These pillars aim to simplify the regulatory landscape, providing a consistent safety standard applicable to all sectors of the cannabis industry. As Steve DeAngelo articulates, the vision is for a national standard that could be adopted across all fifty states, reducing bureaucratic complexity and easing the operational burden on small farmers and independent businesses

The timing of the Alliance's announcement coincides with ongoing federal debates over hemp regulation, particularly concerning intoxicating hemp products. Recent legislative proposals threaten to recriminalize many hemp-derived products, highlighting the urgent need for a unified regulatory approach. The Alliance argues that a single, science-based standard could offer a more effective solution than the current system of bans and exemptions, which often leads to confusion and inconsistency in the market

Andrew DeAngelo draws on the historical advocacy of figures like Dennis Peron and Jack Herer, who envisioned cannabis as a unifying force rather than a divisive one. The Alliance's proposal is rooted in the principles of access, safety, and affordability, seeking to dismantle the remnants of prohibition that still cast a shadow over cannabis consumers. Lengacher emphasizes the civil liberties aspect, advocating for the right of individuals to choose their preferred form of THC without fear of legal repercussions

The One Plant Alliance extends an open invitation to all stakeholders in the cannabis industry, from farmers and retailers to policymakers and consumers, to join their cause. They aim to foster a clearer, safer, and more consistent future for cannabis through a collective commitment to their proposed standards. While the path to widespread adoption of these standards is fraught with challenges, the Alliance represents a significant step toward addressing the longstanding issues of fragmentation within the industry

As the cannabis community grapples with ongoing regulatory challenges, the One Plant Alliance's proposal offers a potential blueprint for the future. Although federal reform remains sluggish and state-level systems are deeply entrenched, the Alliance's vision of unity and standardization could serve as a catalyst for change. The coming months will reveal whether this initiative can gain the traction needed to reshape the cannabis landscape