Researchers found no association between states enacting recreational marijuana laws and an increase of marijuana use among youth populations, according to research published in JAMA Pediatrics.1 Moreover, states even saw a decrease in substance use among younger populations where recreational marijuana is now legal.1,2
Currently, 24 US states and Washington, DC, have established laws allowing the recreational use of marijuana. Eighteen of those states have enacted recreational cannabis retail sales allowing for even easier access to marijuana for individuals over the age of 21.1
According to a 2022 Pew Research study, only 1 of every 10 US adults believe marijuana should be completely illegal.3 With the tide turning on the acceptance of recreational marijuana use, researchers have focused on youth populations and the health impacts recreational marijuana laws can have on adolescents.
Key Takeaways
- Researchers addressed the association between recreational marijuana laws and an increase of marijuana use or substance use for adolescents in states where laws have been enacted.
- They found no evidence of increased use among high school-aged individuals.
- With overwhelming opinions supporting the legalization of marijuana in the US, researchers did not identify adolescents as an at-risk population to develop an increased use of substances.
Researchers recently published 2 cross-sectional studies that address the increased prevalence of recreational marijuana laws and the effect on…
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