Getting it Right from the Start
Advancing Public Health & Equity in Cannabis Policy
We have conveyed our research into best practices
Basic Principles of Action
Digestible key principles are available to help determine the next steps you can take to improve cannabis policies.
Model Ordinances
Guidance on public health & equity measures that states, cities and counties should consider adopting if cannabis legalization is under consideration or has already occurred. Specific models appropriate for California cities and counties are available.
They say the devil is in the details.
We’re here to help.
In most states, cannabis legalization has focused mainly on creating a legal profit-making system rather than putting guardrails in place to promote public health, protect youth, and advance social equity. Our project works with jurisdictions that have legalized cannabis, or are considering legalizing it, to develop and share models for safer and more effective cannabis policy. We provide guidance on policies that can reduce harm, prevent problem cannabis use, and remedy the harms caused by the criminalization of cannabis. We take an evidence-based approach and draw on scientific research, cannabis policy analyses, and lessons from tobacco and alcohol control.
Program Goals
- Protect children and youth.
- Support economic equity and social justice.
- Avert the emergence of a powerful new tobacco-like industry.
- Protect public health.
- Minimize problem cannabis use as well as the attendant health and social harms.
- Mitigate the damage done by the war on drugs.
- Prevent exacerbation of existing health inequalities that disproportionately affect economically disadvantaged communities and vulnerable populations, such as low birth weight, poor mental health outcomes, and lower high school graduation rates.
Reach Us
Getting it Right from the Start
Public Health Institute
2000 Center Street, Ste 308
Berkeley, CA 94704
P: (510) 344-7221
About Us
We collaboratively develop and test models for optimal cannabis policy (retail practices, marketing, and taxation), based on the best available evidence from scientific research and current best practices, with the goal of reducing harms, protecting youth, preventing problem cannabis use, and advancing social justice as well as economic equity.
We provide technical assistance to jurisdictions that are currently regulating cannabis, jurisdictions that are considering legalizing or decriminalizing cannabis, and to community partners. Please contact Aurash Soroosh for more information.