Getting it Right from the Start
Advancing Public Health & Equity in Cannabis Policy
They say the devil is in the details.
We’re here to help.
(for FREE!)
Today, 15 states, the District of Columbia, and two US territories have legalized recreational marijuana use. In most states legalization has focused more on creating a legal profit-making system than on putting in place the guardrails to protect public health, youth or social equity. Our project works with states that have legalized or are considering legalizing cannabis, as well as cities and counties, to develop and share models for safer cannabis policy and provide guidance on policies that can reduce harm, protect against youth and problem cannabis use, and promote social equity. We draw on the best science available from research on cannabis policy and lessons from tobacco and alcohol control.
We have conveyed our research into best practices
Model Ordinances
Guidance on public health & equity measures that states, cities and counties should consider adopting if cannabis legalization is under consideration or has already occurred. Specific models appropriate for California cities and counties are available.
Model Comments & Letters
Based on the best scientific evidence, we draft model comments & letters on proposed cannabis regulations.
Basic Principles of Action
We have prepared an abbreviated version of key principles and action steps for regulating.
Program Goals
- Protect children and youth
- Don’t exacerbate existing health inequalities such as low birth weight, poor mental health outcomes, or lower high school graduation rates
- Minimize cannabis dependency and attendant health and social harms
- Minimize creation of a powerful new tobacco-like industry
- Reduce social harms related to the war on drugs
- Promote economic and social justice
Reach Us

Getting it Right from the Start
Public Health Institute
555 12th Street, 10th Floor
Oakland, CA 94607
Tel: 510.285.5648
Fax: 510.285.5501
gettingitright@phi.org
About Us
We collaboratively develop and test models for optimal cannabis policy (retail practices, marketing & taxation), based on the best available scientific evidence, with the goal of reducing harms, youth use & problem use and promoting social justice and equity.
We provide technical assistance to jurisdictions which have legalized cannabis or are considering legalizing or decriminalizing cannabis, and to community partners. Please contact us for more information.