Now that Prop. 64 has passed legalizing the adult use of marijuana, the hard work of implementing and defending the newly won rights to access marijuana safely, reliably, locally and affordably needs to be undertaken. The Drug Policy Alliance, the organization behind the coordination of the successful passage of Prop. 64 as well as Prop. 215, is working to fully implement Prop. 64 and is developing a strategy to overcome the obstacles being erected by a politically powerful consortium of elected officials, government bureaucrats and police agencies.

Cat Packer, California Policy Coordinator for the Drug Policy Alliance will reveal, discuss and explain what is happening in government backrooms on the local, state and federal level, the strategy for defeating local defacto bans on marijuana cultivation, kicking legislative butts to implement Prop. 64, mitigate the disaster found in the Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act and what to expect from the Trump Administration and AG Sessions and the nationwide development of coalitions to oppose them.

As California Policy Coordinator for the Drug Policy Alliance, Packer advocates for industry diversity and reinvestment in communities most harmed by marijuana prohibition. Prior to joining DPA, Packer served as the Campaign Coordinator for Californians for Responsible Marijuana Reform, Drug Policy Action’s social justice driven campaign in support of the Adult Use of Marijuana Act.

Packer also has participated in marijuana reform efforts in Ohio where she served as the Deputy Director of Central Ohio NORML and participated in the 2015 legalization effort. Packer is an alumna of The Ohio State University where she received a Bachelor’s in Political Science, a Master’s in Public Policy & Management and a Juris Doctor.