Marijuana policy reform in the U.S. has changed remarkably over the last 29 years.
In 1996, California became the first state to legalize medical cannabis. Since then, many states have decriminalized or legalized cannabis for both medical and adult use.
These policies have produced many positive outcomes:
But, they have also introduced new challenges and unintended consequences.
In response, the Drug Policy Alliance organized a series of focus groups to gather insights from a wide range of experts.
The focus group findings highlighted different areas of successes and challenges for marijuana policy.
Marijuana policy should center consumer education. It should restrict marketing and product designs aimed at vulnerable populations, like youth. Products should have clear labels that highlight potency and health warnings. Policy should also promote harm reduction and expand treatment options.
Justice requires breaking the cycle of criminalization – not rebranding it. Policy should focus on educational and public health approaches to address harm. States with legal marijuana should release individuals in jails/prison for marijuana offenses. And expand legal aid for those seeking clemency or record expungement.
Marijuana policy should ensure systems for regulation are fair. Supporting small businesses with simple paths to licensing and business and workforce development programs. Oversight should protect against corporate monopolies to ensure a diverse and accountable industry.
Marijuana policy should reduce barriers to research and fund studies to guide future regulations. Standardize reporting and data collection across states. While training programs help ensure safe production, compliance, and meaningful policy evaluation over time.
Long-term marijuana policy success requires political engagement and community involvement. Taxes from marijuana should invest in communities harmed by prohibition, through programs like job training. Support alternative supply models. End civil penalties that target legal marijuana users.
DPA thanks all focus group experts for sharing their insights on lessons learned from marijuana reform. Their thoughts on key achievements and ongoing challenges will continue to provide important guidance.
The Drug Policy Alliance will continue to work on addressing the impacts of marijuana policy while advocating for a sensible path forward.
Read our report: State-Level Marijuana Reform: Lessons Learned and Ongoing Challenges
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