Sheila Jackson Lee: “I include in the Record Health Affairs' ``Culture of Health,'' which shows the importance of cannabis liberalization…”

“I include in the Record Health Affairs' ``Culture of Health,'' which shows the importance of cannabis liberalization policy, and a letter from all of these individuals, religious groups, and the Center for American Progress. [From HealthAffairs, July 2021] Cannabis Liberalization in the US: The Policy Landscape The cannabis--or marijuana--policy landscape has shifted rapidly in past decades, with increasing numbers of states decriminalizing cannabis possession and legalizing its medical and recreational uses. Yet under federal law, cannabis remains prohibited because of the potential for drug misuse and negative health consequences. This disconnect between federal and state law has allowed a for-profit commercial industry to flourish in many states, absent consistent regulation to ensure product safety. Increasing cannabis accessibility in the states thus raises important public health concerns while expanding certain therapeutic opportunities. A second Health Affairs Health Policy Brief accompanying this one explores the health effects of cannabis legalization. It is also important to understand the framework of policies governing legal cannabis markets, as each policy category likely has differential impacts on health benefits and harms associated with canna-bis use and inconsistencies across jurisdictions have important population health implications.…”