Afraid of more teenagers using marijuana if it’s legalized?
A recent study shows us there isn’t anything to fear.
Sometimes my kids bring up the topic of marijuana. Everytime they do I get uncomfortable. The only thing going through my mind is fear. Fear that pushing for full legalization will turn kids into stoners.
Marijuana has varying effects on undeveloped brains. For some kids the effects are not as harmful. For other’s the brain scans are fair warning: pot should NOT be used by kids.
Contrast the results of marijuana on undeveloped brains with the weed smoking adult. Adult use of marijuana has brain benefits. [For greater understanding refer to this scientific report].
Don’t worry! A new observational study can put your concerns at ease. The study concluded full legalization does NOT lead to a rise in marijuana use among kids.
Legalization does NOT lead to wasted youth
Scientists found no correlation between legalization and cannabis use in the youth.
Observers tracked the behavior of youths in the legal California marijuana market. California boasts the most robust legal marijuana market in the world.
Scientists compared data for kids in California and Pennsylvania. Pensylvannia has medical marijuana programs in place. But recreational remains illegal.
The study shows California’s underage marijuana use remained steady before and after legalization. Ironically, underage use was lower in California than Pennsylvania.
Legalization of recreational marijuana did not lead more kids to use marijuana.
The results may be favorable for several reasons.
Marketing to Adults Only
Unlike the tobacco industry, the marijuana industry refuses to allow marketing to youth.
- Websites prohibit entry if the end user isn’t the legal age to engage.
- The Cannabis Marketing Association’s rules prohibit enticing under aged use.
- The tricks used by the tobacco industry in the 20th century are strongly discouraged. i.e. Joe Camel and Fred Flinstone
Distribution Channels
Distribution channels also manage to limit youth involvement.
- Smoke shops are strict about who enters.
- ID is required for legal cannabis purchases.
- New cannabis vending machines need ID.
The cannabis industry refuses to make youth seduction part of the game. They’ve learned from past industries. Getting kids as customers doesn’t make the industry better.
Education plays a significant role
Education plays a role in prevention of youth cannabis use.
- Pharmacies in Germany require employee training.
- Coffee Shops in the Dutch Closed Coffee Shop Experiment educate the dispensary employees.
- The internet keeps every kid with access up to date on the happenings of the world (in a weird way).
- People know more now about cannabis than ever before in the history of mankind.
The great news is they’re putting this information to use.
Kids aren’t in a rush to smoke weed. Legalization only gives kids a choice for the future. Like driving a car or voting. It’s legal and safer in the future. Most kids know they’ll be breaking the law underage.
There’s no rush because smoking marijuana will be there if they so choose after they’re adults.
