Consistent with prior studies, investigators concluded: “Alcohol is overwhelmingly tried before either tobacco or cannabis.”
Topic: Teens/Youth
“These findings add weight to the conclusion that adolescent cannabis use is holding steady in the wake of legalization,” authors determined.
Legalization had “no significant effect” on young people’s perceived risk of cannabis use, researchers reported.
“Our findings suggest that medical marijuana legalization may have a negligible effect (if any) on cannabis use disorders in this population group.”
Investigators reported, “For those aged 12-20-years-old, the study estimates support the hypothesis that RCLs [recreational cannabis laws] did not affect the occurrence of newly incident cannabis use for underage persons.”
Investigators reported, “Although cannabis-only users use more frequently than other groups, this group may be at lower risk for negative consequences associated with use compared to all-substance users.”
“These data are consistent with other surveys showing that marijuana regulation policies can be implemented in a manner that provides access for adults while simultaneously limiting youth access and misuse.”
Investigators concluded, “Our findings add to evidence that the legalization of nonmedical cannabis has not led to dramatic increases in the use of alcohol, cigarettes, and nonprescribed opioids.”