THURS-015 - Policy to Practice: How State Cannabis Policies Spark Change

Brief Abstract Summary: This presentation examines how state cannabis policies shape outcomes across the United States. A graduate-level public health project compared and contrasted Minnesota cannabis policy with 13 other states with varying degrees of legalization. Students identified differences in regulation, enforcement, and public health approaches, including the challenges these create for law enforcement and local communities. Participants will gain insight into how tax revenue, health equity and social justice measures, and community safety strategies vary from state to state. In addition, discover how the project team, which consists of graduate students and a public health consortium, translated findings into clear educational messaging designed to inform the public, support community health, and guide local leaders in navigating cannabis policy decisions.

Detailed abstract description: Engage with a timely and practical look at state cannabis policies in varying degrees of legalization while gaining actionable knowledge about how these differences shape public safety and public health responses. As cannabis laws rapidly evolve, this presentation offers a unique opportunity to recognize critical considerations that leaders must address to protect communities, prevent impaired driving, and reduce youth access.

This session goes beyond comparing state statutes—it highlights real-world implications for administrators, practitioners, and educators. Understand why behavioral assessments, education, and local ordinances matter in building safer communities. Learn how public health agencies can anticipate and respond to challenges ranging from youth-targeted products to potency labeling, safe storage, and treatment access. You will see how graduate students at Minnesota State University, Mankato conducted a multi-state review of 13 states compared to Minnesota with synthesized public health and safety data translated into health messaging. Their work demonstrates how evidence-informed communication can bridge the gap between policy and practice.

Participants will walk away with strategies that can inform law enforcement and public health to adapt to the ever-changing landscape. The presenters will propose insights into cannabis policies across multiple U.S. states, and recognize the risks and opportunities posed by emerging cannabis markets. Examples of educational campaigns designed to reduce harm and inform communities will be reviewed.

Whether you are a health leader, policymaker, or educator, you will leave with tools to strengthen your local response, inform your stakeholders, and support balanced approaches to cannabis legalization. This project was initiated and supported by the Collaborative for Rural Public Health Innovation, a consortium of 25 counties in Southwest and South Central Minnesota in collaboration with Minnesota State University, Mankato. The grant-funded initiative supports local public health agencies in meeting their foundational public health responsibilities by incorporating projects that address local agency needs into course work.