Open AccessA Tobacco Control Framework for Regulating Public Consumption of Cannabis: Multistate Analysis and Policy Implications
Author(s) -
Jane Steinberg,
Jennifer B. Unger,
Cynthia Hallett,
Elizabeth Williams,
Lourdes BaezcondeGarbanati,
Michael R. Cousineau
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
american journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.284
H-Index - 264
eISSN - 1541-0048
pISSN - 0090-0036
DOI - 10.2105/ajph.2019.305423
Subject(s) - cannabis , tobacco control , public health , recreation , environmental health , consumption (sociology) , legislation , smoke , business , state (computer science) , law , political science , medicine , engineering , sociology , psychiatry , social science , nursing , algorithm , waste management , computer science
Eleven US states and Washington, DC, legalized recreational (adult use) cannabis. Seven states-Alaska, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington-allow cannabis sales. A public health concern is that exemptions in state or local smoke-free laws for public cannabis smoking or vaping will weaken smoke-free laws, expose the public to secondhand cannabis, and renormalize smoking.We describe the experience of the seven states and challenges faced in maintaining smoke-free laws. Using elements of a tobacco control framework, we identify best practices in cannabis regulation by comparing each state's smoke-free laws and allowances for public cannabis use. All states prohibit public cannabis use; two lack 100% smoke-free protections; one lacks vaping devices in its smoke-free law; three allow cannabis use in retailers; two allow cannabis use in social consumption lounges; and two allow cannabis use in tourism venues.States should close gaps in smoke-free laws and not expand where cannabis use is permitted to ensure public health.