title: The Public Health Framework of Legalized Marijuana in Colorado.
abstract: On January 1, 2014, Colorado became the first state in the nation to sell legal recreational marijuana for adult use. As a result, Colorado has had to carefully examine potential population health and safety impacts as well as the role of public health in response to legalization. We have discussed an emerging public health framework for legalized recreational marijuana. We have outlined this framework according to the core public health functions of assessment, policy development, and assurance. In addition, we have discussed challenges to implementing this framework that other states considering legalization may face.
authors.affiliation: All of the authors are with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Denver.
authors.forename: Tista
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ghosh
authors.affiliation: All of the authors are with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Denver.
authors.forename: Mike
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Van Dyke
authors.affiliation: All of the authors are with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Denver.
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Maffey
authors.affiliation: All of the authors are with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Denver.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Whitley
authors.affiliation: All of the authors are with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Denver.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gillim-Ross
authors.affiliation: All of the authors are with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Denver.
authors.forename: Larry
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wolk
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002188:Cannabis; D003120:Colorado; D003132:Commerce / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D013759:Dronabinol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000600:supply & distribution; D006266:Health Education / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D062489:Health Impact Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007880:Legislation, Drug; D011050:Policy Making; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods*; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000600:supply & distribution; D011634:Public Health / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*
chemical_list: D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D013759:Dronabinol