A growing number of U.S. states are legalizing the cultivation, sale and use of cannabis for medical or recreational purposes. The regulatory model adopted by many states allows local jurisdictions to play an important role in shaping local cannabis markets to achieve broader social policy goals. Cities and counties in these states can ban the retail sale of cannabis within their boundaries and may also tailor local ordinances and regulations governing the local cannabis sales. This Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is in response to a Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors’ motion requesting that the LA County Department of Public Health (DPH) assess the potential health equity implications of allowing licensed cannabis dispensaries to operate within the county’s unincorporated areas. The four primary research questions addressed in this HIA examine the potential health impacts of policy and regulatory decisions related to: 1) cannabis business locations and density, 2) cannabis business practices, 3) cannabis regulatory enforcement, and 4) cannabis taxation.
To learn more about read our Report: