Principles for Cannabis Policy and Regulation

If New Hampshire moves in the direction of legalizing recreational cannabis through a commercial model, it is imperative to get the policy right from the start. Optimal cannabis commercialization policy for our state must utilize the best available scientific evidence to reduce public harm, limit youth and problematic use, and purposefully advance social justice and equity in the state.

The following principles must be included in a commercial policy and regulatory framework:

Principle #1: Protect Children and Youth

Limit the potency of THC in flower cannabis and cannabis products to reduce the risk of dependency, psychosis, and other harmful effects.
Prohibit any products, packaging, or marketing that is attractive to children or youth, such as cannabis-infused beverages, flavored products intended for inhalation, flavored wrappers, and products that resemble candy.
Require buffer zones between retail outlets and schools (including colleges), public libraries, and other youth-serving facilities.

Principle #2: Promote Social Justice and Opportunities for Equity

Expunge past criminal convictions for non-violent cannabis-related crimes. Make equity and social justice a priority in the cannabis industry. Create economic benefits for communities most negatively affected by the war on drugs and ensure representation on cannabis governing bodies.
Prioritize equity in licensing applicants and hiring requirements (e.g. residents of communities impacted by high drug incarceration rates, people with past cannabis convictions).

Principle #3: Protect Public, Population, and Behavioral Health

From the start of the regulatory process, place public health authorities in leadership roles and widely limit industry presence on regulatory bodies.
Require health warnings in stores and provide safer use information to consumers. Inform vulnerable groups of the risks of use, such as low birth weight when used during pregnancy, psychosis, schizophrenia, and other mental health effects.
Extend smoke-free air restrictions to consistently prohibit smoking and vaping cannabis indoors in workplaces, multi-unit housing, and public outdoor spaces.

Principle #4: Ensure Appropriate Funding from Cannabis Revenue Directed to Efforts to Reduce Harms

Apply tax revenue for substance misuse education, prevention, treatment and recovery and ensure an informed, adequately paid behavioral health workforce.
Create mass media and social media campaigns from the start, before the law is in effect, to address (including, but not limited to):
- Growing false perceptions of harmlessness and impact of use for youth.
- Safe storage of cannabis and use around children.
- Increased motor vehicle accidents.
- Increased risk of psychosis and dependence.
- Use during pregnancy and associated low birth weight.

These principles are based on recommendations from the Public Health Institute's Getting It Right From The Start program.

Download a PDF of these principles