The protection of public health in the regulation of cannabis: a narrative review

Several countries have legalized the supply of cannabis or considering doing so. There are important regulatory and control issues that need to be analyzed from a public health angle. This review provides a framework for writing about the health effects of cannabis use and public policy changes around the world that may lead to legislation that protects public health. A rapid narrative review was carried out with Cochrane methodology and the GRADE system between October 2021 and February 2024. Among the results that stand out are the varied models of legislation, with contributions in terms of consumption, it was observed that legalization generally generates an increase of consumption. The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control of the World Health Organization can be considered a regulatory model, that integrates consumption surveillance, protection from exposure, offering treatment, warning of the risks associated with its consumption, establishing prohibitions on advertising, promotion, and sponsorship, as well as apply taxes to the product that discourage its use. In addition, cannabis legislation should consider impairments of vehicle driving, and before all, must prioritize public health and well-being considering strengths and weaknesses of different legislations in countries.