Cannabis Policy Heterogeneity and Effects on Research—Complexity Expected
Julie K. Johnson, Samantha M. Doonan
Abstract
In their study, Matthay et al 1 identify cannabis commercialization as a risk factor associated with population-level adverse health outcomes, including self-injury and violence, among young men. This consideration of the degree of cannabis commercialization extends a critical early call to researchers, most notably that from Pacula et al, 2 to consider heterogeneity in cannabis policy assessments. The more recent delineation of the 14 Ps of cannabis policy design options for states by Kilmer 3 further clarifies cannabis policy heterogeneity, including the following options most relevant for an assessment of commercialization: profit motive, power to regulate, promotion, prevention and treatment, policing and enforcement, product types, and potency.