Publication Title: 
American Journal of Public Health
Publication Date: 
Thursday, April 17, 2014

In a policy environment where there are currently no modern examples of marijuana regulation, policy-makers can rely on lessons learned from alcohol and tobacco regulation, according to a paper published in the American Journal of Public Health.

The authors of the paper, who are noted alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana researchers, recommend that if states decide to experiment with marijuana policy, they should prevent retail price drops, limit marketing, and work hard to measure and prevent impaired driving. They also note the importance of adopting a state monopoly, restricting and monitoring licenses for use and distribution, restricting public consumption, and limiting the types of products sold.

Citations: 
Pacula RL, Kilmer B, Wagenaar AC, Chaloupka FJ, Caulkins JP. Developing Public Health Regulations for Marijuana: Lessons from Alcohol and Tobacco. American Journal of Public Health. Online first April 17, 2014.