EXCLUSIVE — Glass House CEO Advocates For Cannabis Reform: 'Call Congress, The President... People Are Sitting In Prison'

At the recent Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, Kyle Kazan, CEO of Glass House Group, emphasized the critical issues facing the cannabis industry in the U.S. today.

He expressed his appreciation for the conference’s role in promoting cannabis discussions, pointing out the stark contrasts between states like California and Florida in political and business environments.

Kazan highlighted his company’s challenges in different states due to varying political climates and regulations.

See Also: ‘My Criminality Still Stands,’ Pot Prisoner Speaks Out Amid Booming Legal Weed Sales And Biden’s ‘No One Should Be In Jail’ Refrain

Investment And Economic Perspectives

Kazan, who oversees a major cannabis operation that includes cultivation, retail, and manufacturing, also discussed the financial aspects of running a large-scale cannabis business. He stressed the importance of maintaining a robust balance sheet and the role of investment bankers and lenders in achieving this goal.

“As a large company, we’re always looking at how we can improve our balance sheet,” he noted, underscoring the significance of financial health in the industry.

A Call for Legalization And Clemency

Perhaps most compelling was Kazan’s call to action regarding federal cannabis policies and their human impacts. He passionately appealed for the legalization of cannabis at the federal level and urged for the release of individuals incarcerated for nonviolent cannabis offenses.

“Please, I hope everybody would reach out to their Congress, send an email, call the President,” Kazan implored, advocating for immediate legislative changes and emphasizing, “People are literally sitting in prison for cannabis. And that makes absolutely no sense in this country.”

Human Rights And Cannabis Policy

Kazan, who also serves on the board of directors for the Weldon Project and MISSION [GREEN], shared his involvement in advocacy for policy change and clemency programs. These efforts are geared towards addressing the repercussions of the War on Drugs, which disproportionately affects nonviolent cannabis offenders.

Kazan’s message was clear in his concluding remarks: America must strive for better. “We’re better than this. And we need to demand better,” he stated, reflecting his deep commitment to reforming cannabis laws and ensuring justice for those unjustly imprisoned.

Grow Your Cannabis business and raise capital at Benzinga’s New Jersey Market Spotlight on June 17. Network with key industry players, hear from the top operators, and close deals that will shape the future. Act now— spots are filling fast. Get your tickets here.

Image: Glass House

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