Legalized Cannabis But Still Broken: What Experts Say About the Gaps

Despite cannabis legalization in most U.S. states, significant systemic issues persist in the industry. Ten frontline experts reveal critical gaps between legislation and implementation, including regulatory inconsistencies, access barriers, and unresolved medical standardization. For patients seeking therapeutic cannabis for conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, and epilepsy, these fragmented systems create challenges in obtaining reliable, quality-controlled products. Understanding these structural problems is essential for patients, healthcare providers, and advocates working to build a more equitable and scientifically rigorous cannabis medical framework.