November 8, 2021
CPEAR Praises Cannabis Provision Inclusion in Infrastructure Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation (CPEAR) praised the inclusion of the Multiple Substance Impaired Driving Act as part of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Andrew Freedman, CPEAR’s executive director, released the following statement:
“The coalition welcomes the introduction of the Multiple Substance Impaired Driving Act as part of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Recent studies have shown that the percentage of cannabis-related traffic fatalities increased from 9 percent in 2000 to 22 percent in 2018, while fatalities involving multiple substances increased from 5 percent to 10 percent during the same period.
“This bill rightly prioritizes prevention and education by providing support to state and local authorities in recognition of the growing number of traffic incidents related to cannabis impairment across the country. Importantly, the Multiple Substance Impaired Driving Act would expand data collection in an effort to inform innovative programs designed to maintain public health and safety as state and local authorities continue to adapt to the prevalence of substance-impaired driving incidents.
“Highway safety should be integral to any federal efforts to maintain and improve the nation’s infrastructure, and the Multiple Substance Impaired Driving Act is a forward-looking, solution-oriented bill that seeks to give state and local authorities the right tools. We at the CPEAR commend the efforts of Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Senator Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), Representative Steve Cohen (D-TN), Representative Kathleen Rice (D-NY), Representative Troy Balderson (R-OH), and Representative Tim Burchett (R-TN) for sponsoring the bill and Congress, and the Senate leadership for including the proposal in the package.”
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About the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation
A 501(c)(4) non-profit organization, the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation (CPEAR) works to advance comprehensive policy solutions for cannabis regulation. The Coalition strives to be a trusted, science-driven resource for lawmakers and the larger stakeholder community, developing responsible policies that protect consumers and patients, prevent underage use, uphold public health and safety, and promote social equity. Comprised of a diverse group of stakeholders, the Coalition brings unique perspectives to the table to thoughtfully address what a federally regulated cannabis industry should look like. To learn more, visit www.CPEAR.org and follow us on Twitter.