Date of Award

Fall 12-2021

Level of Access Assigned by Author

Open-Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Food Science and Human Nutrition

Advisor

Jennifer Perry

Second Committee Member

L. Brian Perkins

Third Committee Member

Robson Machado

Abstract

The increasing demand of adult-use cannabis is outpacing the regulatory stride of the states that legalize recreational marijuana. This work is the product of two studies that focus on those states’ agencies that closely work with their constituents. They include those who are invested or reliant on cannabis businesses and those who consume cannabis for medical or recreational purposes. State agencies and resources are funded by those same constituents’ taxes, for which they have the responsibility to protect the public’s best interests as the industry grows. Chapter 2 describes an inquiry on what information and support is shared with adult-use cannabis industry stakeholders. Land Grant Universities, Cooperative Extensions, and states’ Departments of Agriculture in American states with legalized recreational marijuana by January 2020 were investigated, including recruiting participants for an interview. The policies and norms of interaction with adult-use cannabis business-owners were compiled, and it was found that those agencies that participated in regulation were most likely to provide cannabis stakeholders with information. Regulating authorities and their approaches varied among states. Many agencies’ policies were unclear or unfinished. Reliance on federal funding is a barrier to support and research, which are both crucial to maintaining a safe and sustainable industry for the entire community. The University of Maine (a Land Grant University) prohibits all cannabis from its campus, even that which is legally purchased by a medical marijuana patient 18 years of age or older. This is due to the university’s reliance on federal funding for scholarship and other services. Chapter 3 focuses on the development of a cannabis harm reduction course for the University of Maine to utilize when disciplining students who violate its cannabis ban. A pilot course was delivered to student volunteers who also opted into an anonymous survey. The survey was designed to promote self-reflection on cannabis use habits and beliefs as well as to capture their valuable information as University of Maine students. Sharing reliable researched-based information on cannabis aligned with the principles of harm reduction with college students reduces the negative effects of consuming marijuana and acknowledges adult-use cannabis as a legitimate recreational drug as it is in an increasing number of states. The disparity between federal prohibition of marijuana and state adult-use cannabis causes tension and hinders adequate research and regulation. State-run research institutions struggle to advise and support their citizens without risking their standing with the federal government and its funding. To sufficiently fulfill their responsibilities, state agencies must have freedom to research and clarity on how to regulate adult-use cannabis. While states continue to legalize cannabis and the required infrastructures are built, a multifaceted approach is recommended. Ensuring the safety of products and efficient industry standards attends to the wellbeing of each member of the community.

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