Public Health Language for Recreational Cannabis Laws

Cannabis legalization for recreational use (also called “adult use”) is a reality in a growing number of US states despite continued federal prohibition and limited scientific research on the long-term and short-term health effects of cannabis use. There may be benefits to legalization, but there are also significant public health risks, including many that strongly echo those caused by tobacco and alcohol. Public health best practices drawn from tobacco and alcohol control strategies can inform regulatory approaches to legalized cannabis that prioritize public health over industry profit. This report presents supporting evidence and legislative language based on public health principles to minimize negative public health impacts of cannabis legalization and prevent the nascent legal cannabis industry from repeating harmful practices of the tobacco and alcohol industries.