Our Vision and Mission

We envision a society where public policy related to cannabis and other substances protects health and advances equity in all its forms.

We use scientific research to identify and advocate for cannabis policy that advances public health and equity, prioritizing groups vulnerable to harms, such as youth. We engage and support partners in our work to ensure that government and industry actions align with these priorities.

Strategies We Use:

  • Scientific Research
  • Policy Design
  • Technical assistance to government and community partners
  • Key audience education
  • Community stakeholder engagement
  • Advocacy
  • Accountability

What We Do

In most states, cannabis legalization has focused mainly on creating a legal profit-making system rather than putting guardrails in place to promote public health, protect youth, and advance social equity.

We provide technical assstance to jurisdictions that are currently regulating cannabis, considering legalizing or decriminalizing cannabis, and to community partners. We develop and share models for safer and more effective cannabis policy, and provide guidance on policies that can reduce harm and prevent problem cannabis use.

We take an evidence-based approach by carrying out and drawing on scientific research, cannabis policy analyses, and lessons from tobacco and alcohol control.

Please contact Aurash Soroosh for more information.

Scientific Panel Sounds Alarm On High-Potency Cannabis, Proposes Comprehensive Policy Response

Wednesday, October 30th

Sacramento, CA – A report released today by an independent panel of cannabis experts, convened by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), analyzes the health impacts, including increased risk of dependency and serious mental health conditions, of the highly-potent cannabis products now available in California and offers 20 key policy recommendations to mitigate associated risk.

Read Report

Getting it Right from the Start Condemns Hemp Industry Lawsuit Against California’s Emergency Regulations on Intoxicating Hemp Products

Statement From Dr. Lynn Silver, Senior Adviser, Public Health Institute, September, 2025

“We are deeply dismayed by the hemp industry’s lawsuit to block California’s emergency regulations on intoxicating hemp products which took effect on Monday, September 23rd…This legal action is yet another blatant attempt by the hemp industry to prioritize profit over public health. By opposing these much-needed regulations, the industry is fighting to continue selling products that are harming our children and youth.”

Read Article

California Dems pave way to getting stoned on hemp by killing reform

By Tom Philp, Sacramento Bee, August 31, 2024

AB 2223—a bill aimed at keeping these products out of kids’ hands and limiting THC levels—died quietly in State Senate last week. Despite their intoxicating effects, hemp products remain widely available outside of dispensaries, thx to growing industry influence. Our own Dr. Lynn Silver was quoted in the article about AB 2223’s defeat, noting “…we saw…the power of money & the lobbying strength (i.e. of hemp industry).”

Read Article

Serious maternal complications linked with use of marijuana before and early in pregnancy, study says

By CNN, July 22, 2024

Our latest study, led and co-authored by Kaiser’s Kelly Young-Wolff, is covered by CNN. The study found marijuana use during pregnancy increases the risk of serious maternal complications like gestational hypertension & preeclampsia. Our study urges expectant mothers to discuss any cannabis use with their doctor or healthcare providers first! 

Read Article

Have questions?

We can help!

 

Getting it Right from the Start
Public Health Institute
2000 Center Street, Ste 308
Berkeley, CA 94704
P: (510) 344-7221

gettingitright@phi.org

 

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Join our Listserv and be part of a dedicated community of public health advocates, regulatory officials, parents, concerned citizens, research scientists, medical professionals, and policymakers.

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Sign up for our action alerts and join the movement to create a safer legal cannabis marketplace without driving up harmful consumption.

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We want to hear from you! Please contact Aurash Soroosh for more information or with any questions you have.

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Getting it Right from the Start Follow

Research, capacity building and advocacy to protect public health, youth and equity in cannabis policy.

GetItRightonMJ
getitrightonmj Getting it Right from the Start @getitrightonmj ·
30 Sep

1/We are deeply disappointed that @CAGovernor signed #AB1775 (#CannabisCafes), which poses a serious threat to ...California’s progress in creating safe, smokefree public spaces by allowing #cannabis dispensaries to operate as restaurants & clubs. @ACSCAN https://t.co/MT0bIUR7Tq

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getitrightonmj Getting it Right from the Start @getitrightonmj ·
30 Sep

We applaud @CAGovernor for vetoing #AB1111 & standing up for #PublicHealth! Keeping #cannabis out of family spaces ...like farmers markets & parks will help protect kids from harmful exposure. Thank you for prioritizing the well-being of California’s communities! #ProtectKids

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getitrightonmj Getting it Right from the Start @getitrightonmj ·
27 Sep

The health risks from secondhand #cannabis smoke = #tobacco!

Join @ANR_Smokefree, @AmericanCancer, @LungAssociation, ...@CaliforniaLung, & @American_Heart & Tell @CAGovernor/@GavinNewsom to protect #PublicHealth & VETO #AB1775 (#CannabisCafes)!

Act Now! https://t.co/aVlxjqQJUk

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