How different retail marijuana taxes change people's marijuana use
The impact of excise tax structures for retail marijuana on marijuana consumption
['FUNDING_R01'] · OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11318939
This project tests how different kinds of retail marijuana taxes (by weight, price, or THC potency) change how much people use and what products they buy.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11318939 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers will compare states and localities that use different excise tax designs—such as taxes based on weight, price, or THC potency—and examine sales records, surveys, and public health data to see how those choices influence use. They will use statistical models to determine whether taxes push people toward lower-potency products, cheaper forms, or reduce overall consumption. The team combines real-world purchase and health outcome data to predict how tax rules affect different age groups and levels of use. Results are intended to help policymakers design tax systems that lower harmful use without causing large unintended shifts in product choice.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants or populations are adults (especially legal purchasers aged 21+) and communities in states with legal retail marijuana whose purchase and health data can be linked to tax policies.
Not a fit: People who use marijuana only under medical programs with different rules, or residents of states without legal retail marijuana, may not be included or directly affected by the findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to tax policies that lower harmful marijuana use and related physical and mental health problems.
How similar studies have performed: Taxation has successfully reduced alcohol and cigarette use in past studies, but applying those approaches to a wide variety of marijuana products and potencies is relatively new and less tested.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY — Columbus, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SHANG, CE — OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: SHANG, CE
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.