Michelle Minton
Senior Policy Analyst, Reason Foundation
Michelle Minton is a Senior Policy Analyst at the Reason Foundation.
With a focus on consumer policy issues including gambling, alcohol, tobacco and nicotine, drug legalization, and health, Minton has authored numerous studies, including such topics as the effectiveness and unintended consequences of sin taxes, the history of gambling regulation, and the harmful consequences of drug war-styled policies on public health outcomes. Her analyses have been published and cited by nationally respected news outlets such as the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and USA Today, as well as peer-reviewed journals. She regularly appears in news media to discuss the unintended effects of laws and rules designed to save adults from their own choices, an approach that not only conflicts with the principles of individual liberty and bodily autonomy but often also the stated goals of public health policy.
Minton holds a Bachelor of Arts from the Johns Hopkins University and a Master of Science from the University of New England.
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A framework for federal and state hemp-derived cannabinoid regulation
The growing popularity of hemp-derived products has stimulated significant legislative attention in recent years, with over 90 regulatory proposals introduced in state legislatures in 2024 alone.
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Getting cannabis legalization right in Hawaii
Hawaii may be poised to become the 25th state to legalize the recreational use of cannabis for adults aged 21 and over.
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The implications of federal cannabis rescheduling
While the optimal solution would be to remove cannabis from the list of controlled substances entirely, moving it to Schedule III presents both immediate and long-term advantages over its current Schedule I designation.
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The case for interstate marijuana commerce right now
Pathways to establishing an interstate marketplace for marijuana.
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Drug Legalization Handbook
"America needs to recognize that we will not see a reduction in violent crimes until we legalize drugs. All drugs."
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Debunking the myth that vaping causes popcorn lung
There is no evidence that e-cigarettes cause popcorn lung. In fact, all of the evidence points to the contrary.
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Modern oral nicotine and tobacco harm reduction
Oral nicotine or nicotine pouches have gained increasing popularity among smokers wishing to switch to a safer form of nicotine.
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Optimal regulatory framework for state regulation of sports betting
To maximize the benefits of sports betting legalization and minimize negative externalities, state regulatory frameworks should encourage robust and competitive markets.