Getting it Right from the Start: Advancing Public Health & Equity in Cannabis Regulation
Getting it Right from the Start, a program of policy advocacy, research and technical assistance, promotes cannabis law and regulation which better protects public health and equity. We work with community stakeholders, cities, counties & states to promote better policy choices.
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Focus Areas
Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs & Mental Health, Chronic Disease Prevention, Healthy Communities -
Issues
Cannabis -
Expertise
Coalition & Network Building, Evaluation, Health Education & Promotion, Outreach & Dissemination, Public Policy Advocacy, Public Policy Development, Research – Quantitative, Research – Survey, Technical Assistance
Our Impact
- 539 California cities and counties, every jurisdiction in the state, assessed on their local cannabis regulations
- 100+ jurisdictions using at least one best practice developed by Getting it Right From the Start
- 4 innovative bans on flavored cannabis, vapes or "cannpops"
Projects
Completed Projects
- Getting it Right from the Start
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We works to collaboratively develop and test models of marijuana regulatory policy with the goal of reducing harms, youth and problem use, based on scientific evidence and guided by the principles of public health, social equity and safety. This includes: developing principles for state regulation and model local ordinances; providing technical assistance carrying out research; operating a listserv, webinars and other tools;; and providing public health input to regulatory processes
- Local Cannabis Regulation: What have we learned from tobacco?
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This is a pilot study of local law on cannabis in California’s 58 counties and 482 cities in 2018-2019. It examines how cannabis is regulated in areas including: smoke-free air, allowable density of retailers, equity for low income residents, product types and potency, flavors, marketing, warnings, health claims, discounting, taxation design, and use of tax revenue. Results will be used to inform policymakers and engage communities to protect health.
- Maternal Marijuana Use During Pregnancy
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This five year project, which is part of a larger NIH supported research project lead by Kaiser Permanente Research Institute, examines the relationship between local regulation of marijuana in Northern California cities and counties, use during pregnancy and perinatal outcomes. It builds on our pilot research on California's local marijuana laws.
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