This preliminary dataset examines the laws and policies on medication assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder at state correctional facilities. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three drugs for the treatment of opioid use disorder: buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. Currently, Rhode Island is the only state that offers all three FDA-approved medications for MAT to all state inmates.  Some states provide all three medications at some of their correctional facilities.

There are now 28 jurisdictions that allow patients to use medical marijuana. In addition, 24 states and the District of Columbia have authorized the operation of dispensaries that give citizens access to medical marijuana products. In those jurisdictions, various state departments are often responsible for developing and implementing the regulations for dispensaries. The regulations focusing on registration and licensing, the number of dispensaries allowed, their location, and operation are examined on this page.

As more states have continued to pass laws legalizing medical use of marijuana, the majority have also established product safety measures to protect consumers. These safety regulations vary from state to state. This dataset analyzes state guidelines for medical marijuana product preparation, testing, packaging, labeling, and advertising, all factors that contribute to overall product safety. This dataset includes states with comprehensive medical marijuana programs; it does not include state laws allowing the medical use of low-THC products in certain situations.

According to the CDC, since 1999 the number of opioid prescriptions have quadrupled. With a significant amount of those opioid prescriptions being written for acute pain or in emergency departments, some states have developed opioid prescribing guidelines for acute and emergency care to help avoid over prescribing. These guidelines are generally adopted by statutes, regulations, state department guidelines, and medical board guidelines.