The Public Policy Process
Policy Memo: Intoxicating Hemp-Derived Cannabinoid Products
This policy memo highlights the issues regarding the proliferation of unregulated hemp-derived products currently legal due to a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill that Congress to date has failed to close. These products can be as intoxicating as legal cannabis and are widely sold in convenience stores, gas stations, liquor stores and other venues where cigarettes and tobacco are available for purchase. Without regulation, the products are often purchased by minors. The memo offers policy alternatives that balance the needs of the emerging cannabis industry with the public health and safety.
Policy Memo: Underage Use of Alcohol and Cannabis
The passage of the package of bills by the New Jersey Legislature in 2021 that legalized cannabis for purchase, possession and use by adults age 21 and over effectively removed any consequences or opportunities for intervention for underage use of both cannabis and alcohol. The memo urges legislators to take a second look at enabling the enforcement provision already outlined in the law so as to provide a supporting response to underage use.
Policy Memo: Increase Funding for Tobacco Prevention and Cessation
This memo synthesizes policies surrounding the 1998 Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement and the current challenges with enforcing 21 as the Tobacco Age of Sale nationwide. It also considers New Jersey’s ban on flavored vapor products and the epidemic of youth vaping. Youth smoking rates have declined drastically. But with a generation of youth now dependent on nicotine as a result of vaping, the memo advocates for an increase in the dedication of state tobacco tax dollars allocated to prevention and cessation programs. To view the narrated PowerPoint, click here https://youtu.be/oWrqigkxkjE
