Among 1,847 young adults in 19 legal states, some cannabis retail laws achieved their goals, like billboard ad bans reducing exposure, while many others showed no measurable effect on the behaviors they targeted.
Cannabis regulators, state legislators, public health policy researchers
Billboard ad bans reduced exposure; many other laws showed no effect
What the researchers found
Retail license limits were associated with fewer retailer visits. Billboard ad restrictions reduced billboard ad exposure. Driving-related warnings in ads were associated with less driving after use. Restricting health claims reduced exposure to claims. However, many other laws (online advertising restrictions, required warnings on risk perceptions) showed no significant associations with targeted outcomes.
Why it matters
As states experiment with cannabis regulation, understanding which specific laws actually change behavior is essential for evidence-based policy. This study provides one of the first assessments of specific regulatory provisions and their real-world effects.
The numbers in context
1,847 participants in 19 states. License limits associated with fewer visits. Billboard bans reduced exposure. Driving warnings reduced driving after use. Zoning near youth facilities associated with minimum-age signage. No effect for online advertising restrictions or risk perception warnings.
How the study worked
Surveys of 1,847 US young adults in 19 states with nonmedical cannabis retail (June-November 2023). Three categories of laws examined: operational restrictions, advertising restrictions, and required warnings. Multivariable analyses linked specific laws to relevant behavioral outcomes.
What this study cannot tell us
Cross-sectional design cannot prove laws caused behavior changes. Self-reported outcomes. Cannot account for industry compliance levels. Limited to young adults in states with nonmedical retail.
How to read the evidence
Moderate: large multi-state survey linking specific laws to behavioral outcomes, but cross-sectional design and self-reported measures
When this study was published
Published in 2025 using June-November 2023 survey data from 19 states
The bigger picture
Cannabis regulation is not one-size-fits-all. Some laws achieve their intended effects while others appear ineffective. Ongoing assessment and refinement of regulations is necessary to maximize public health benefits.
Questions still open
- Why are some laws effective while others are not? Is it a matter of enforcement or design? Would different regulatory approaches improve outcomes for the ineffective provisions?
Common questions
Which cannabis laws actually work?
Why do some laws fail to work?
Read the original research
State Nonmedical Cannabis Laws and U.S. Young Adults' Cannabis-Related Experiences.
American journal of preventive medicine, 69(3), 107939
Citation
Berg, Carla J; Ruchelli, Sabrina; Platt, Elizabeth; Cavazos-Rehg, Patricia; Romm, Katelyn F; Wang, Yan; LoParco, Cassidy R; Cui, Yuxian; Yang, Y Tony; Szlyk, Hannah S; Burris, Scott. (2025). State Nonmedical Cannabis Laws and U.S. Young Adults' Cannabis-Related Experiences.. American journal of preventive medicine, 69(3), 107939. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2025.107939