Getting it Right from the Start
@getitrightonmj.bsky.social
Research, capacity building and advocacy to protect public health, youth and equity in cannabis policy. Website: www.gettingitrightfromthestart.org. Follow us on X too: @GetItRightonMJ
2/Read our Brief on Intoxicating #Hemp Products: This policy brief for Santa Clara County shows how #AB45—meant to legalize #CBD—opened the door to intoxicating hemp products.
Get all the facts here: gettingitrightfromthestart.org/wp-content/u...
Get all the facts here: gettingitrightfromthestart.org/wp-content/u...
November 10, 2025 at 6:09 PM
2/Read our Brief on Intoxicating #Hemp Products: This policy brief for Santa Clara County shows how #AB45—meant to legalize #CBD—opened the door to intoxicating hemp products.
Get all the facts here: gettingitrightfromthestart.org/wp-content/u...
Get all the facts here: gettingitrightfromthestart.org/wp-content/u...
2/As #cannabis becomes increasingly normalized, let’s not lose sight of its risks—esp. for young people whose brains & futures are still developing.
✅ Stronger #HealthWarnings
✅ Limits on potency
✅ Restrictions on youth-appealing ads & packaging
✅ Local authority to regulate retail access
#THC
✅ Stronger #HealthWarnings
✅ Limits on potency
✅ Restrictions on youth-appealing ads & packaging
✅ Local authority to regulate retail access
#THC
October 31, 2025 at 4:48 PM
2/As #cannabis becomes increasingly normalized, let’s not lose sight of its risks—esp. for young people whose brains & futures are still developing.
✅ Stronger #HealthWarnings
✅ Limits on potency
✅ Restrictions on youth-appealing ads & packaging
✅ Local authority to regulate retail access
#THC
✅ Stronger #HealthWarnings
✅ Limits on potency
✅ Restrictions on youth-appealing ads & packaging
✅ Local authority to regulate retail access
#THC
1/The #cannabis industry’s rapid commercialization has led to potent, highly intoxicating products—from 99% #THC to “hemp-derived” synthetics.
Our fact sheet breaks down what’s in today’s pot, how it’s used, & why it matters for health/prevention.
Read: bit.ly/4hpFfKg
Our fact sheet breaks down what’s in today’s pot, how it’s used, & why it matters for health/prevention.
Read: bit.ly/4hpFfKg
October 23, 2025 at 10:11 PM
1/The #cannabis industry’s rapid commercialization has led to potent, highly intoxicating products—from 99% #THC to “hemp-derived” synthetics.
Our fact sheet breaks down what’s in today’s pot, how it’s used, & why it matters for health/prevention.
Read: bit.ly/4hpFfKg
Our fact sheet breaks down what’s in today’s pot, how it’s used, & why it matters for health/prevention.
Read: bit.ly/4hpFfKg
1/Our new study w. researchers at @UCIPublicHealth & @UCLAchpr in @ijdrugpolicy.bsky.social finds violations of #cannabis delivery bans common in CA in 2021–22.
Nearly all census block groupe reached by delivery businesses—even jurisdictions where delivery illegal.
@publichealthinst.bsky.social
Nearly all census block groupe reached by delivery businesses—even jurisdictions where delivery illegal.
@publichealthinst.bsky.social
October 17, 2025 at 3:01 PM
1/Our new study w. researchers at @UCIPublicHealth & @UCLAchpr in @ijdrugpolicy.bsky.social finds violations of #cannabis delivery bans common in CA in 2021–22.
Nearly all census block groupe reached by delivery businesses—even jurisdictions where delivery illegal.
@publichealthinst.bsky.social
Nearly all census block groupe reached by delivery businesses—even jurisdictions where delivery illegal.
@publichealthinst.bsky.social
1/New #DailyReview story highlights our (@publichealthinst.bsky.social's Getting it Right from the Start) peer-reviewed study with #UCIrvine & #KPDR finding daily #cannabis use among CA teens rose since legalization.
“This study shows legalization changed how teens use cannabis.” —Bethany Simard
“This study shows legalization changed how teens use cannabis.” —Bethany Simard
October 16, 2025 at 5:10 PM
1/New #DailyReview story highlights our (@publichealthinst.bsky.social's Getting it Right from the Start) peer-reviewed study with #UCIrvine & #KPDR finding daily #cannabis use among CA teens rose since legalization.
“This study shows legalization changed how teens use cannabis.” —Bethany Simard
“This study shows legalization changed how teens use cannabis.” —Bethany Simard
2/“This study shows legalization changed how teens use #cannabis,” said lead author Bethany Simard. Our recommendations:
✅ Strengthen delivery regs
✅ Limit youth exposure & access
✅ Enforce ad & product rules
✅Restricting high-potency products
Study: bit.ly/4qfxYRB
✅ Strengthen delivery regs
✅ Limit youth exposure & access
✅ Enforce ad & product rules
✅Restricting high-potency products
Study: bit.ly/4qfxYRB
October 14, 2025 at 7:52 PM
2/“This study shows legalization changed how teens use #cannabis,” said lead author Bethany Simard. Our recommendations:
✅ Strengthen delivery regs
✅ Limit youth exposure & access
✅ Enforce ad & product rules
✅Restricting high-potency products
Study: bit.ly/4qfxYRB
✅ Strengthen delivery regs
✅ Limit youth exposure & access
✅ Enforce ad & product rules
✅Restricting high-potency products
Study: bit.ly/4qfxYRB
1/New study from researchers at UC Irvine, UCLA &
@publichealthinst.bsky.social’s Getting it Right from the Start shows more teens are using #cannabis more frequently & more intensely (reversing a prior decline) after retail stores opened in 2018 - raising serious health risks for California youth.
@publichealthinst.bsky.social’s Getting it Right from the Start shows more teens are using #cannabis more frequently & more intensely (reversing a prior decline) after retail stores opened in 2018 - raising serious health risks for California youth.
October 14, 2025 at 7:52 PM
1/New study from researchers at UC Irvine, UCLA &
@publichealthinst.bsky.social’s Getting it Right from the Start shows more teens are using #cannabis more frequently & more intensely (reversing a prior decline) after retail stores opened in 2018 - raising serious health risks for California youth.
@publichealthinst.bsky.social’s Getting it Right from the Start shows more teens are using #cannabis more frequently & more intensely (reversing a prior decline) after retail stores opened in 2018 - raising serious health risks for California youth.
Our new Journal of Adolescent Health study (w. #UCLA & #UCIrvine)—featured by Fox 5 San Diego—found daily #cannabis use among CA 11th graders has risen since legalization, reversing prior declines. Youth use stays lower where retail sales banned. Stronger safeguards needed.
Article: bit.ly/3W8Cvay
Article: bit.ly/3W8Cvay
October 14, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Our new Journal of Adolescent Health study (w. #UCLA & #UCIrvine)—featured by Fox 5 San Diego—found daily #cannabis use among CA 11th graders has risen since legalization, reversing prior declines. Youth use stays lower where retail sales banned. Stronger safeguards needed.
Article: bit.ly/3W8Cvay
Article: bit.ly/3W8Cvay
1/#SB378 (#ScottWiener) passed the #CALeg with overwhelming support.
It cracks down on unregulated #hemp products flooding CA — often ultra-high #THC, synthetic, & sold online to youth with no age checks.
We urge @gavinnewsom.bsky.social to sign this important bill!
It cracks down on unregulated #hemp products flooding CA — often ultra-high #THC, synthetic, & sold online to youth with no age checks.
We urge @gavinnewsom.bsky.social to sign this important bill!
October 1, 2025 at 5:32 PM
1/#SB378 (#ScottWiener) passed the #CALeg with overwhelming support.
It cracks down on unregulated #hemp products flooding CA — often ultra-high #THC, synthetic, & sold online to youth with no age checks.
We urge @gavinnewsom.bsky.social to sign this important bill!
It cracks down on unregulated #hemp products flooding CA — often ultra-high #THC, synthetic, & sold online to youth with no age checks.
We urge @gavinnewsom.bsky.social to sign this important bill!
1/CBS Sacramento’s Brady Halbleib interviews our own Dr. Lynn Silver on @gavinnewsom.bsky.social's signing #AB564 — a bill that breaks #Prop64’s promised funding for youth, prevention & the environment.
A big tax break for #BigCannabis, nothing to fix the real drivers of the illicit market.
A big tax break for #BigCannabis, nothing to fix the real drivers of the illicit market.
September 24, 2025 at 10:26 PM
1/CBS Sacramento’s Brady Halbleib interviews our own Dr. Lynn Silver on @gavinnewsom.bsky.social's signing #AB564 — a bill that breaks #Prop64’s promised funding for youth, prevention & the environment.
A big tax break for #BigCannabis, nothing to fix the real drivers of the illicit market.
A big tax break for #BigCannabis, nothing to fix the real drivers of the illicit market.
2/#AB564 = $180M cut annually & 25% reduction in required long-term funding. With federal help shrinking, CA can’t afford to gut prevention & childcare. The real drivers of the illicit market (i.e. overproduction) aren't addressed. @cagovernornewsom.bsky.social must veto!
Read FS: bit.ly/3IheHxN
Read FS: bit.ly/3IheHxN
September 11, 2025 at 3:36 PM
2/#AB564 = $180M cut annually & 25% reduction in required long-term funding. With federal help shrinking, CA can’t afford to gut prevention & childcare. The real drivers of the illicit market (i.e. overproduction) aren't addressed. @cagovernornewsom.bsky.social must veto!
Read FS: bit.ly/3IheHxN
Read FS: bit.ly/3IheHxN
1/The #CALeg just passed #AB564, betraying voters’ intent in #Prop64.
Instead of funding childcare, youth prevention, environmental restoration & public safety as promised, this bill hands #BigCannabis a massive tax break & raises serious questions of legality. #cannabis
Instead of funding childcare, youth prevention, environmental restoration & public safety as promised, this bill hands #BigCannabis a massive tax break & raises serious questions of legality. #cannabis
September 11, 2025 at 3:36 PM
1/The #CALeg just passed #AB564, betraying voters’ intent in #Prop64.
Instead of funding childcare, youth prevention, environmental restoration & public safety as promised, this bill hands #BigCannabis a massive tax break & raises serious questions of legality. #cannabis
Instead of funding childcare, youth prevention, environmental restoration & public safety as promised, this bill hands #BigCannabis a massive tax break & raises serious questions of legality. #cannabis
1/#NatureCommunications study (via
@cnn-news.bsky.social/#kcranews) finds #marijuana may damage human eggs (esp. higher #THC)—raising risks of infertility, miscarriage & genetic defects. #Cannabis use during pregnancy has tripled since 2002. Study adds to mounting evidence of risks when pregnant.
@cnn-news.bsky.social/#kcranews) finds #marijuana may damage human eggs (esp. higher #THC)—raising risks of infertility, miscarriage & genetic defects. #Cannabis use during pregnancy has tripled since 2002. Study adds to mounting evidence of risks when pregnant.
September 10, 2025 at 5:31 PM
1/#NatureCommunications study (via
@cnn-news.bsky.social/#kcranews) finds #marijuana may damage human eggs (esp. higher #THC)—raising risks of infertility, miscarriage & genetic defects. #Cannabis use during pregnancy has tripled since 2002. Study adds to mounting evidence of risks when pregnant.
@cnn-news.bsky.social/#kcranews) finds #marijuana may damage human eggs (esp. higher #THC)—raising risks of infertility, miscarriage & genetic defects. #Cannabis use during pregnancy has tripled since 2002. Study adds to mounting evidence of risks when pregnant.
2/Jim Keddy of #YouthForwad warns: Cutting these taxes betrays voters’ intent, slashes funding for childcare, youth, & enviro, & doesn’t fix illegal market.
We urge the California Legislature & @cagovernornewsom.bsky.social to stand with kids, families & communities, not industry profits.
We urge the California Legislature & @cagovernornewsom.bsky.social to stand with kids, families & communities, not industry profits.
September 8, 2025 at 5:40 PM
2/Jim Keddy of #YouthForwad warns: Cutting these taxes betrays voters’ intent, slashes funding for childcare, youth, & enviro, & doesn’t fix illegal market.
We urge the California Legislature & @cagovernornewsom.bsky.social to stand with kids, families & communities, not industry profits.
We urge the California Legislature & @cagovernornewsom.bsky.social to stand with kids, families & communities, not industry profits.
1/In #CapitolWeekly, Michael Sutton — former CA Fish & Game president - reminds us of one of the MAJOR reasons why voters legalized #cannabis in CA: to generate revenue for #YouthPrevention, #Childcare, law enforcement & #EnvironmentalRestoration.
#AB564 betrays that promise. #CALeg
#AB564 betrays that promise. #CALeg
September 5, 2025 at 6:29 PM
1/In #CapitolWeekly, Michael Sutton — former CA Fish & Game president - reminds us of one of the MAJOR reasons why voters legalized #cannabis in CA: to generate revenue for #YouthPrevention, #Childcare, law enforcement & #EnvironmentalRestoration.
#AB564 betrays that promise. #CALeg
#AB564 betrays that promise. #CALeg
1/We just co-authored a new study in Science Direct's #AddictiveBehaviors on #cannabis vape products (CVPs) among young adults.
Findings show a strong link between exposure to CVP ads — especially on social media — & both likelihood & frequency of use. #CannabisPolicy #PublicHealth
Findings show a strong link between exposure to CVP ads — especially on social media — & both likelihood & frequency of use. #CannabisPolicy #PublicHealth
September 4, 2025 at 6:18 PM
1/We just co-authored a new study in Science Direct's #AddictiveBehaviors on #cannabis vape products (CVPs) among young adults.
Findings show a strong link between exposure to CVP ads — especially on social media — & both likelihood & frequency of use. #CannabisPolicy #PublicHealth
Findings show a strong link between exposure to CVP ads — especially on social media — & both likelihood & frequency of use. #CannabisPolicy #PublicHealth
1/Friday’s CA Senate Approps vote in favor of #AB564 is a stark reminder of #BigCannabis’ oversized & corruptive influence.
#CALeg bought the false narrative of an “industry in peril”—while the real cost is cuts to youth prevention, #publichealth, & environmental programs.
#CALeg bought the false narrative of an “industry in peril”—while the real cost is cuts to youth prevention, #publichealth, & environmental programs.
August 31, 2025 at 9:57 PM
1/Friday’s CA Senate Approps vote in favor of #AB564 is a stark reminder of #BigCannabis’ oversized & corruptive influence.
#CALeg bought the false narrative of an “industry in peril”—while the real cost is cuts to youth prevention, #publichealth, & environmental programs.
#CALeg bought the false narrative of an “industry in peril”—while the real cost is cuts to youth prevention, #publichealth, & environmental programs.
2/Jim Keddy (#YouthForward) to #LATimes: “If you don’t work to promote & hold on to a funding stream for children, someone eventually takes it from you.” This isn’t just about budgets—it’s keeping voters’ promises & protecting kids’ health.
Reject #AB564 & similar #cannabis tax cuts. #PublicHealth
Reject #AB564 & similar #cannabis tax cuts. #PublicHealth
August 26, 2025 at 6:38 PM
2/Jim Keddy (#YouthForward) to #LATimes: “If you don’t work to promote & hold on to a funding stream for children, someone eventually takes it from you.” This isn’t just about budgets—it’s keeping voters’ promises & protecting kids’ health.
Reject #AB564 & similar #cannabis tax cuts. #PublicHealth
Reject #AB564 & similar #cannabis tax cuts. #PublicHealth
2/Article also details why Getting it Right from the Start/Public Health Institute & 100+ groups oppose #AB8 & #AB564 (cut $180M/yr from prevention, youth, & environmental programs promised under #Prop64). Weak rules put children at risk. Cutting prevention multiplies harm/puts profits before kids.
August 25, 2025 at 9:51 PM
2/Since 2016, these #Cannabis tax revenues have supported over 275 youth orgs across CA.
#AB564 & #AB8 slash funding for programs that keep kids safe, prevent addiction, & support community health—at the moment the federal govt is cutting prevention, too. #CALeg #PublicHealth
#AB564 & #AB8 slash funding for programs that keep kids safe, prevent addiction, & support community health—at the moment the federal govt is cutting prevention, too. #CALeg #PublicHealth
August 18, 2025 at 5:29 PM
2/Since 2016, these #Cannabis tax revenues have supported over 275 youth orgs across CA.
#AB564 & #AB8 slash funding for programs that keep kids safe, prevent addiction, & support community health—at the moment the federal govt is cutting prevention, too. #CALeg #PublicHealth
#AB564 & #AB8 slash funding for programs that keep kids safe, prevent addiction, & support community health—at the moment the federal govt is cutting prevention, too. #CALeg #PublicHealth
Next week, #CALeg will vote on #cannabis tax cut bills (#AB564 & #AB8) that break #Prop64’s promise & slash funds for childcare, youth prevention & environmental restoration.
Watch press event featuring youth advocacy, #PublicHealth, & environmental groups (Passcode: 2Rnfuv=*): bit.ly/4mCRXXu
Watch press event featuring youth advocacy, #PublicHealth, & environmental groups (Passcode: 2Rnfuv=*): bit.ly/4mCRXXu
August 15, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Next week, #CALeg will vote on #cannabis tax cut bills (#AB564 & #AB8) that break #Prop64’s promise & slash funds for childcare, youth prevention & environmental restoration.
Watch press event featuring youth advocacy, #PublicHealth, & environmental groups (Passcode: 2Rnfuv=*): bit.ly/4mCRXXu
Watch press event featuring youth advocacy, #PublicHealth, & environmental groups (Passcode: 2Rnfuv=*): bit.ly/4mCRXXu
2/We know what to do: plain packaging, bans on kid-friendly marketing, #THC caps, & clear serving sizes.
Yet #CALeg is weighing tax cuts for #BigCannabis that would gut youth prevention & health programs at a time child poisonings skyrocketing! Let's put kids' health before corporate profit.
Yet #CALeg is weighing tax cuts for #BigCannabis that would gut youth prevention & health programs at a time child poisonings skyrocketing! Let's put kids' health before corporate profit.
August 12, 2025 at 7:53 PM
2/We know what to do: plain packaging, bans on kid-friendly marketing, #THC caps, & clear serving sizes.
Yet #CALeg is weighing tax cuts for #BigCannabis that would gut youth prevention & health programs at a time child poisonings skyrocketing! Let's put kids' health before corporate profit.
Yet #CALeg is weighing tax cuts for #BigCannabis that would gut youth prevention & health programs at a time child poisonings skyrocketing! Let's put kids' health before corporate profit.
2/At Getting it Right from the Start we've long warned about this. We led the fight for the #CannabisCandy Child Safety Act, passed by #CALeg in 23'—but vetoed by
@cagovernornewsom.bsky.social.
This study underscores the urgent need to put health over corporate profit in #cannabis regulation.
@cagovernornewsom.bsky.social.
This study underscores the urgent need to put health over corporate profit in #cannabis regulation.
August 6, 2025 at 6:58 PM
2/At Getting it Right from the Start we've long warned about this. We led the fight for the #CannabisCandy Child Safety Act, passed by #CALeg in 23'—but vetoed by
@cagovernornewsom.bsky.social.
This study underscores the urgent need to put health over corporate profit in #cannabis regulation.
@cagovernornewsom.bsky.social.
This study underscores the urgent need to put health over corporate profit in #cannabis regulation.
2/The segment closes with Dr. Silver’s call to action: oppose #CALeg bills #AB564 & #AB8, which would slash $1.35B from youth services, drug prevention, & environmental cleanup.
Bottom Line: These bills betray #Prop64’s promises. Don’t let #BigCannabis profit at kids’ expense. #Cannabis
Bottom Line: These bills betray #Prop64’s promises. Don’t let #BigCannabis profit at kids’ expense. #Cannabis
August 5, 2025 at 8:10 PM
1/We urge the California Dept. of Public Health to finalize & make permanent the regs prohibiting intoxicating #hemp.
These unregulated, high-#THC products—like Delta-8, Delta-10, THC-P—are being seized in schools, sold near campuses, & exposing kids to potent cannabinoids with no safety testing.
These unregulated, high-#THC products—like Delta-8, Delta-10, THC-P—are being seized in schools, sold near campuses, & exposing kids to potent cannabinoids with no safety testing.
July 29, 2025 at 5:50 PM
1/We urge the California Dept. of Public Health to finalize & make permanent the regs prohibiting intoxicating #hemp.
These unregulated, high-#THC products—like Delta-8, Delta-10, THC-P—are being seized in schools, sold near campuses, & exposing kids to potent cannabinoids with no safety testing.
These unregulated, high-#THC products—like Delta-8, Delta-10, THC-P—are being seized in schools, sold near campuses, & exposing kids to potent cannabinoids with no safety testing.