The continued criminalization of cannabis by the US federal government is leading to fragmented policymaking and putting public health at risk, a new report claims.
A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), “Cannabis Policy Impacts Public Health and Health Equity,” proposes coordinated efforts to control cannabis use and reduce the harms associated with it. It highlights the growing need for public health programs.
It also calls for establishing national and federal standards for cannabis quality and potency.
This report covers five key topics:
public health monitoring
As highly potent cannabis continues to flourish across the country, the report highlights the need for effective public health surveillance systems to monitor consumption, emerging products and trends, and related health effects. I am doing it.
To achieve this, the report proposes the development of a standardized national tracking system.
It also called for the establishment of long-term studies that leverage real-time data from poison control centers and emergency departments to fully understand the health risks of cannabis consumption.
harm reduction
The report suggests there is a need to focus on harm reduction and increase public education about the safe use of cannabis.
Public health campaigns should be developed to inform consumers about safe use, potential risks, and alternatives to smoking, as well as clear and standardized labeling regarding THC content.
These efforts should focus on promoting the use of less harmful forms of consumption, such as e-cigarettes.
Additionally, policies regulating the concentration of THC in products, especially in edible and concentrated forms, are recommended.
social equity and justice
The report acknowledges the historical injustices caused by criminalization and emphasizes the importance of incorporating social justice into cannabis policy.
We are calling for policies focused on restorative justice, such as automatic expungement of cannabis-related criminal records and social justice programs that give underrepresented communities access to markets.
It was proposed that tax revenue should also be used to fund community development, drug treatment, and job training programs, along with efforts to promote diversity in cannabis business ownership through grants, loans, and technical assistance.
ongoing research
This study highlights the need for extensive and rigorous research into the health effects of cannabis, particularly its long-term effects and interactions with other substances.
There is a strong need for federal funding to support independent research on both medical and recreational cannabis.
To facilitate research, the report recommends simplifying federal regulations and making it easier for researchers to access high-quality cannabis samples.
This will allow us to explore more deeply the therapeutic uses and effects of different strains and ingestion methods. Standardized clinical trial protocols are also being advocated to guide this important research.
Policy recommendations
Finally, the report emphasizes the importance of consistent regulations across the state to ensure public safety, minimize disruption, and address enforcement challenges.
It advocates federal guidelines for cannabis marketing, product standards, and THC potency limits, while leaving room for state-specific adaptation.
The report warns that a balanced approach is needed, as over-regulation can lead consumers to illegal markets. We recommend federal-state coordination to promote unified policies, encourage harm reduction strategies, and promote social equity measures.
Cross-jurisdictional data sharing is proposed to facilitate a harmonized approach to cannabis regulation.
A complete copy of the report can be found here.
