Our Vision and Mission

We envision a society where public policy related to cannabis and other substances protects health and advances equity in all its forms.

We use scientific research to identify and advocate for cannabis policy that advances public health and equity, prioritizing groups vulnerable to harms, such as youth. We engage and support partners in our work to ensure that government and industry actions align with these priorities.

Strategies We Use:

Scientific Research
Policy Design
Technical assistance to government and community partners
Key audience education
Community stakeholder engagement
Advocacy
Accountability

What We Do

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.

We provide technical assstance to jurisdictions that are currently regulating cannabis, considering legalizing or decriminalizing cannabis, and to community partners. We develop and share models for safer and more effective cannabis policy, and provide guidance on policies that can reduce harm and prevent problem cannabis use.

We take an evidence-based approach by carrying out and drawing on scientific research, cannabis policy analyses, and lessons from tobacco and alcohol control.

Please contact Aurash Soroosh for more information.

California Dems pave way to getting stoned on hemp by killing reform

By Tom Philp, Sacramento Bee, August 31, 2024

AB 2223—a bill aimed at keeping these products out of kids’ hands and limiting THC levels—died quietly in State Senate last week. Despite their intoxicating effects, hemp products remain widely available outside of dispensaries, thx to growing industry influence. Our own Dr. Lynn Silver was quoted in the article about AB 2223’s defeat, noting “…we saw…the power of money & the lobbying strength (i.e. of hemp industry).”

Read Article

Racial, ethnic, and neighborhood socioeconomic disparities in local cannabis retail policy in California

By Getting it Right from the Start, International Journal of Drug Policy, August, 2024

Our latest study, published in the International Journal of Drug Policy, found that equity provisions in local cannabis licensing & hiring – a critical way to support communities most harmed by the War On Drugs and rectify some of the injustices of marijuana criminalization – have been distributed inequitably.

Read Study

Serious maternal complications linked with use of marijuana before and early in pregnancy, study says

By CNN, July 22, 2024

Our latest study, led and co-authored by Kaiser’s Kelly Young-Wolff, is covered by CNN. The study found marijuana use during pregnancy increases the risk of serious maternal complications like gestational hypertension & preeclampsia. Our study urges expectant mothers to discuss any cannabis use with their doctor or healthcare providers first!

Read Article

Tell Your Representatives: Oppose AB 1775 (Haney) – Protect Californians and Smoke-Free Air

By allowing licensed cannabis retailers permitted for on-site cannabis consumption to also prepare & sell non-cannabis foods & beverages, AB 1775 will take us back in time to the era of smoke-filled bars and restaurants, undermining decades of progress in smoke-free air. Please tell your representatives in the California Legislature to OPPOSE AB 1775!



Getting it Right from the Start
Public Health Institute
2000 Center Street, Ste 308
Berkeley, CA 94704
P: (510) 344-7221



gettingitright@phi.org

Join Us!

Join our Listserv and be part of a dedicated community of public health advocates, regulatory officials, parents, concerned citizens, research scientists, medical professionals, and policymakers.

Join Listserv