Creating a National Policy for State-level Debate

Leading the writing committee to draft the “ASAM Public Policy Statement on Marijuana, Cannabinoids and Legalization” presented some unique challenges. The committee sought to issue cautions where appropriate for states that have not embraced legalization of marijuana, while creating realistic and evidence-based options wherever possible to inform policy in jurisdictions where full or partial legalization is already a reality. Public policy, such as this document, lets people know what experienced professionals in the field believe about a topic, but it also helps guide ASAM’s government relations staff when they discuss pending legislation in Congress.

As expected when drafting this policy, strongly-held views and widely differing opinions within the organization reflected the controversies present in the public at large. Some individuals view the debate over marijuana from the vantage point of liberty and that adults should be free to “do what they want,” so long as it does not harm someone else. Yet many medical professionals see the potential harm of marijuana use and do not agree with the near-tsunami of public opinion that says prohibition is inappropriate when it comes to marijuana use, particularly in states where the legislature or a citizen referendum has already legalized the drug, either for a sub-population or for all residents of that state.

The ASAM board has agreed with the writing committee that there are important medical and public health issues about marijuana which should not be ignored and these concerns were reflected in the policy. When drafting this document, it was the committee’s goal to provide an appropriate level of consistency and alignment for the organization, considering that most policy-making regarding marijuana occurs on a state level. Take a look at the policy and please share any thoughts in the comments section.

ASAM Public Policy Statement on Marijuana, Cannabinoids and Legalization