Shawn Collins Shawn Collins

It’s In the Game: How NIL is Changing Sports

The blog post discusses the impact of the NCAA's Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policy on college athletics. It highlights the evolution of NIL through legal battles, culminating in its adoption in 2021. The post then provides examples of athletes capitalizing on NIL opportunities through endorsements and social media. It analyzes the multifaceted effects of NIL, including its influence on the path to professional sports, the balance of power between schools, and the role of boosters. The post also delves into the complexities NIL introduces, such as the erosion of loyalty, rising costs, and the need for transparency, especially regarding NIL collectives. It concludes by emphasizing the responsibility to protect athletes' interests and ensure a fair and sustainable NIL landscape.

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Shawn Collins Shawn Collins

Cannabis Agent Registration: Time for a Change

This article examines the inefficient agent registration process in Massachusetts' cannabis industry and advocates for streamlined regulations to foster growth. It highlights the "multi-badge madness" and burdensome background checks, drawing on the author's experience as a former regulator. By analyzing best practices from other regulated industries, the author proposes solutions like standardized training and portable credentials. The article concludes with a call to action for collaboration among stakeholders to create a more efficient and equitable legal cannabis market.

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Shawn Collins Shawn Collins

Elevating the Experience: The Potential of Cannabis Social Consumption

Cannabis consumption is evolving beyond the confines of private residences. Social consumption is creating exciting new public spaces where adults can enjoy cannabis in a safe and social environment. Imagine cannabis-paired dinners, infused mocktails, and yoga studios with infused sessions. But it's not just about consuming cannabis – it's about community, education, and elevating the experience. Dive into this article to explore the diverse models of social consumption, the economic benefits, and the role of technology in shaping this burgeoning industry. Learn how states are navigating the challenges and embracing the opportunities to create a responsible and inclusive social consumption landscape.

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Shawn Collins Shawn Collins

Finding Your Voice in the Political Wilderness: It’s Okay to Be in the Middle

Tired of the shouting and the pressure to pick a side in politics? It's okay to be in the middle! This op-ed explores the vanishing middle ground in American politics, arguing that it's not only okay but essential to embrace nuanced views and seek common ground. It highlights the pressures to conform, the surprising similarities between seemingly opposing ideologies, and the importance of civics and civility in a healthy democracy. Read more to find your voice and reclaim the power of the middle ground!

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Shawn Collins Shawn Collins

Former Cannabis Regulators Submit Comment to DEA Supporting Rescheduling of Cannabis

Today, six former state cannabis regulators submitted a comment to Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Administrator Ann Milgram, supporting the agency’s proposed rule to reschedule cannabis to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The former regulators from Nevada, Massachusetts, Maine, California, Minnesota, and Washington, represent former public officials who were directly responsible for oversight of both medical and adult-use cannabis marketplaces across the United States and have first-hand experience with the challenges faced by having cannabis listed currently as a Schedule I drug.

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Shawn Collins Shawn Collins

Schedule 3: It’s Complicated

President Biden announced his Administration was formally beginning to reschedule cannabis from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3. That’s good, right? Well…maybe. I guess it is more complicated than that.

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