214. Dr. David Jennigan | What Alcohol can teach Cannabis policies214. Dr. David Jennigan | What Alcohol can teach Cannabis policies
High Truths on Drugs and Addiction
Alcohol prohibition. Taxes. Quality standards. Potency regulation. What can healthcare policy learn from alcohol and tobacco and apply to today's cannabis market? David Jernigan, PhD, is a Professor of Health Law, Policy and Management at the Boston University School of Public Health, and senior policy advisor for CityHealth, a project of the de Beaumont Foundation that provides leaders with a package of evidence-based policy solutions that will help millions of people live longer, better lives in vibrant, prosperous communities. Dr. Jernigan is best known for his action-research approach to the issue of alcohol advertising, marketing, and promotion and its influence on young people. His work has led to better advertising regulations and a clearer understanding of the evolving structure of the alcohol industry. His work is policy relevant and scientifically rigorous. Dr. Jernigan has been very active in translating research findings into policy and practice. He testifies regularly at city, state, and national levels around alcohol advertising and youth, alcohol availability, and taxation. He also trains advocates around the world using the best evidence. Cannabis: Moving Forward, Protecting Health
1:06:18•27 Jan 2025
Learning from Alcohol: Shaping Cannabis Policies with Dr. David Jernigan
Episode Overview
- Historical lessons from alcohol regulation can inform current cannabis policies.
- Effective advertising restrictions are crucial for public health.
- Quality standards and potency limits help mitigate substance-related harms.
- Socio-economic factors significantly influence the impact of substance use.
- Robust regulatory frameworks are essential to avoid past mistakes.
“I like to keep my wits about me”
Dr. Roneet Lev welcomes Dr. David Jernigan, a professor at Boston University, to discuss what alcohol can teach us about cannabis policies. Dr. Jernigan shares his fascinating journey into the field of alcohol policy, starting from an unexpected temporary job that turned into a lifelong career. He offers a deep dive into the history of alcohol regulation, highlighting lessons learned from the prohibition era and how these can be applied to today's cannabis market.
The conversation covers various aspects of alcohol regulation, including advertising restrictions, quality standards, and potency limits, and how these measures have shaped public health outcomes. Dr. Jernigan emphasises the importance of setting up robust regulatory frameworks for cannabis to avoid repeating past mistakes made with alcohol and tobacco. He also touches on the socio-economic impacts of alcohol and cannabis use, noting that poorer communities often suffer the most severe consequences.
The episode is a blend of historical insights, personal anecdotes, and practical advice, making it both informative and engaging. If you're curious about how past alcohol policies can inform current cannabis regulations, this episode is a must-listen.

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