The 2017 National Cannabis Summit will feature the workshop, Implementing Retail Marijuana Legalization: Public Health’s Role in Implementation of Prevention and Education Efforts Following Legalization of Retail Marijuana. During this workshop, HMA Principal Shannon Breitzman will share her unique expertise on how state agencies begin the complex implementation process of regulatory and programmatic needs after retail marijuana is legalized.
Shannon was part of the leadership team that implemented policies, programs, and procedures for the legalization of marijuana in Colorado. Her role focused on establishing the budget and strategy for education of Colorado laws and the prevention of marijuana abuse by high-risk groups. Shannon has extensive knowledge about the impact and complexities of legalizing recreational marijuana including the research on the health impacts of marijuana. She has developed and evaluated public education and messaging strategies established cross sector, cross agency collaboration, and dealt with unforeseen outcomes post-legalization.
The workshop will include an overview of Colorado’s experience creating and implementing a prevention and education program to ensure safe and responsible adult use while preventing harm to vulnerable populations like children and adolescents.
Attendees will hear about lessons learned, including:
- Making data driven decisions
- Engaging diverse stakeholders on opposite sides of the issue
- Collaborating with other state and local agencies
- Developing effective education campaigns for different audiences
The 2017 National Cannabis Summit is hosted by Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. (AHP), National Council for Behavioral Health, and the Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network (ATTC) in Denver, August 28-30. For more information, please visit www.NationalCannabisSummit.org.