Las Vegas, Nevada – The debate surrounding the impact of legalizing cannabis on youth use has long been a contentious issue. Critics often argue that legalization could lead to an increase in cannabis consumption among young people. However, recent research is challenging this notion and providing valuable insights into the actual effects of cannabis reform.
A recent study shed light on the prevalence of delta-8 THC use among high school seniors, a hemp-derived cannabinoid that is widely accessible outside of the legal cannabis industry. This raises questions about the extent of teen cannabis use in states where recreational cannabis is legal and whether legalization has exacerbated these trends.
To investigate the impact of legal cannabis laws on adolescent use, a new study published in the journal Addictive Behaviors examined the rates of lifetime and past 30-day cannabis use among middle school-aged adolescents in Nevada and New Mexico. The study aimed to compare the effects in a state with legal adult-use cannabis sales (Nevada) and a state without such sales (New Mexico).
Contrary to the arguments against cannabis reform, the study found no evidence to associate the initiation of state-licensed cannabis sales with an increase in cannabis use among young people. Additionally, the study noted that cannabis use patterns in both states followed similar trajectories, regardless of legal status. However, the researchers pointed out that the negative health consequences of early-age cannabis use remained a cause for concern.
This study’s findings align with prior research, indicating that cannabis reform does not lead to a surge in use among young people. A recent policy paper examining consumption rates among eighth, 10th, and 12th graders concluded that youth consumption either decreased or remained stable in regulated markets. Furthermore, the report emphasized that implementing educational prevention methods can effectively combat youth cannabis use.
Similar conclusions were drawn when specifically considering medical cannabis laws. A study conducted in 2021 found no evidence of increased marijuana use among adolescents associated with the enactment of medical marijuana laws or the presence of dispensaries.
Another study explored whether a state’s legal or illegal adult-use cannabis status influenced children’s attitudes and perceptions of cannabis risks. The researchers discovered that individual characteristics played a more significant role in shaping young people’s attitudes toward cannabis than state policies.
Supporting these findings, a recent report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed a consistent decline in cannabis use among high school students from 2011 to 2021.
While the cannabis market is still evolving, it appears that the argument against legal cannabis increasing youth use lacks strong evidence. As the discussion continues, opponents of reform may need to seek alternative arguments to support their stance.