New Government Report Urges Federal Guidance on Marijuana to Protect Public Health
A comprehensive report commissioned by the federal government has highlighted the need for more guidance on marijuana policy from Congress and federal agencies, citing the “noticeable absence” of federal involvement in shaping legalization efforts. The report, published by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), emphasizes the importance of protecting public health and health equity in the rapidly evolving cannabis landscape.
The 341-page report, titled “Cannabis Policy Impacts Public Health and Health Equity,” examines the U.S. marijuana market, assesses various regulatory frameworks, and provides policy recommendations on health and safety matters, research, criminal justice, and social equity. The report notes that states have received limited guidance from the federal government on how to address the health impacts of cannabis use, particularly among vulnerable populations.
The report urges federal agencies, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to take a more proactive role in shaping marijuana policy. Specifically, it recommends that the CDC develop targeted public health campaigns and establish best practices for protecting public health in states that have legalized marijuana. The report also calls for the removal of federal limits that prevent certain officials from researching the impact of cannabis legalization.
Other key recommendations include:
* Congress refining the definition of “hemp” to clarify that no form of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or semisynthetic cannabinoid derived from hemp is exempt from the Controlled Substances Act.
* The CDC creating an adaptable public health surveillance system for cannabis, which would track data on cannabis cultivation, product sales, use patterns, and health impacts.
* State cannabis regulators requiring training and certification for all staff at cannabis retail outlets who interact with customers.
* The development of model legislation by the National Governors Association and the National Council of State Legislatures to promote best practices in cannabis policy.
* Congress removing restrictions on the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) from studying the impacts of cannabis legalization.
The report also acknowledges the need for more research on the health effects of cannabis use, particularly among vulnerable populations, and recommends a research agenda focused on public health outcomes, regulation, and mitigation of the risks of cannabis use.
Overall, the report emphasizes the importance of a coordinated public health approach to cannabis policy, urging policymakers to prioritize the protection of public health and health equity in the rapidly evolving cannabis landscape.
