The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine have released a new report examining the public health implications of changes in cannabis policy. This review was commissioned by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health.
The report, titled "Cannabis Policy Impacts Public Health and Health Equity," highlights that more than half of U.S. states have legalized cannabis for adult or medical use over the past several decades. However, cannabis remains illegal at the federal level. The report points out that there has been limited federal guidance to states on protecting public health, resulting in inconsistent protection across different states.
The report recommends stronger federal leadership to minimize public health harms associated with cannabis use. It also calls for a robust research agenda to better understand these impacts.
Dr. Ellen T. Kurtzman served as a committee member for this report.
