Public health role in legal marijuana

Here is an excerpt from an article on marijuana legalization and public health written by Mike Van Dyke of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. For the full article, go to the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE).

From a public health standpoint, Colorado is fortunate that marijuana legislation took advantage of the last 50 years of public health research on reducing tobacco use. The legislation included specific requirements to limit youth access and prevent the normalization of marijuana use. This legislation also established a specific role for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). CDPHE was charged with monitoring changes in drug use patterns and health effects. In addition, CDPHE was charged with setting up a panel of healthcare professionals with expertise in “cannabinoid physiology” to conduct literature reviews to make science-based recommendations for policies protecting consumers and the public. In addition to the duties outlined above, CDPHE played a role in establishing laboratory testing procedures, food safety recommendations for the manufacture of marijuana-infused edible products, waste disposal requirements and prevention messaging.