Words can be deceiving: A review of variation among legally effective medical marijuana laws in the United States

Rosalie L. Pacula, Anne E. Boustead, Priscillia Hunt

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

70 Scopus citations

Abstract

When voters in two US states approved the recreational use of marijuana in 2012, public debates for how best to promote and protect public health and safety started drawing implications from states' medical marijuana laws (MMLs). However, many of the discussions were simplified to the notion that states either have an MML or do not; little reference was made to the fact that legal provisions differ across states. This study seeks to clarify the characteristics of state MMLs in place since 1990 that are most relevant to consumers/patients andcategorizes those aspects most likely to affect the prevalence of use, and consequently the intensity of public health and welfare effects. Evidence shows treating MMLs as homogeneous across states is misleading and does not reflect the reality of MML making. This variation likely has implications for use and health outcomes, and thus states' public health.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1-19
Number of pages19
JournalJournal of Drug Policy Analysis
Volume7
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Medical marijuana
  • healthcare law
  • legal analysis
  • medicinal cannabis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Public Administration
  • Health Policy

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