Medical Cannabis Laws Do Not Increase Adolescent Consumption

Anastasia Young. 14er Holistics

A Columbia University study published in the journal Lancet Psychiatry has found that medical cannabis laws have not increased cannabis consumption in adolescents—one of the major bugaboos that opponents of legalization in its various forms have used against even medical marijuana laws.

Using data from a national, annual survey called Monitoring the Future, researchers from the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University in New York say that enactment of a medical cannabis law does not increase adolescent cannabis consumption.

The study is based on interviews with more than 1 million adolescents over a 14-year period in states with medical marijuana laws.

The main finding: Between the years 1991 and 2014 cannabis smoking decreased in 8th graders, while remaining steady in 10th and 12th graders.

An interesting sidelight: Adolescent cannabis consumption in states with medical marijuana laws was higher than the national average before the laws’ enactment. The fact that consumption was higher in these states led some to blame the medical laws, but this research suggests that the laws have nothing to do with increased adolescent cannabis consumption.

The psychiatric researchers who conducted the study tried to explain the interesting shifts in consumption after enactment of medical laws. The decrease in consumption in 8th graders they attribute to these children now perceiving cannabis as a medical substance and not a recreational one, leading to less of a desire to smoke it. This was not the case with 10th and 12th graders, who may have already had a solidified opinion about the plant and were not susceptible to this shift in mentality.

Why did states with medical cannabis laws already have higher-than-average adolescent cannabis consumption? Though it makes sense superficially, it’s hard to tell exactly. Perhaps an overall increased availability in a state like California (the first state to enact a law and coincidentally the state that grows the most of it and other crops) along with a more liberal attitude generally could have led to an overall increase in consumption among all age groups. This overall increase in consumption may have made more voters aware of its medical benefits, hence leading to a quicker passage of a medical cannabis bill.

This little piece of monumental research holds important implications for policy makers and politicians when it comes to passing a medical cannabis law. Pro-cannabis activists now have solid ground to stand on when it comes to refuting those who say medical marijuana laws are harmful to children.

Total
0
Shares
9 comments
  1. txt 631/228/7596
    if you need a plug on…..
    Actavis/syrup/xannies/roxies,
    oc 80s/adderal/addy/percs,
    hydros/vicodin/LSD,
    Dilaudid/ritalin/Morphine
    alicepharmashop20[at]gmail[.]com

  2. HMU if u r a REAL* STONER and
    interested in getting the best strains of weed
    OIL,WAX,HARSH,SHATTER ,DABS and cannabis oil for cancer patients Deliveries 24/7 everywhere!!!! available
    reach me out at
    email:medicalmarijuana534@gmail.com
    text:9095479507

  3. DO NOT SEND MONEY TO CAMEROON, OR PUERTO RICO, OR INLAND STATES SUCH AS MARYLAND. THESE ARE ALL VERIFIED SCAMMING LOCATIONS.

    I value your anonymity as well as mine. I was previously a top rated seller on SilkRoad, a hidden marketplace for various goods not found in public stores. Unfortunately, my natural source of income has dwindled down to nothing. I have award winning strains from Colorado, as well as Southern and Northern California. I am looking for long-term new customers. I am not affiliated with any gangs or law enforcement. Replying towards this you authorize neither are you. Respectfully, I have been in this business for three years my packages have always been sent through accordingly with little to no problems. If you’re tired of brick weed or have any questions either call me or message me. I speak fluent English as well as French and Japanese, so a language barrier is not a problem. On request, I will send pictures.
    Once again, if interested call or message

    Message me on WhatsApp (App on iPhone and Android)

    WHATSAPP-614-725-8431
    Email: GreenCamel17@gmail.com or Nirvanaherb@gmail.com

  4. Weed vendor

    We supply Top shelf medical marijuana (Indoors and Outdoors) Sativa, Indica and Hybrid with strong THC and CBD strains , we have Sativa ,Indica,Hybrid,Wax,Edibles,Clones,Flavors,Dabs,Hash,Buds ,Seeds and Hash oils for Cancer , Chronic and Back pain, Anxiety and Nerve pains , Insomnia and other related .

    Call or text me at 339-674-0576 or email ; researchemshop@gmail.com ).

  5. ROXY, OXY, XANAX, ROHYPNOL, NEMBUTAL, CANNABIS, HEMP OIL, VALIUM ROCHE, MOLLY, LSD ETC…TEXT 646-461-4665 FOR INQUIRIES. NO COPS! LEGIT SALES.

    ALSO AVAILABLE PAIN PILLS, ANXIETY PILLS, DEPRESSION PILLS, SLEEPING PILL, MUSCLE BUILDING SUPPLIMENTS, RESEARCH CHEMICALS LIKE MEPHEDRONE, KETAMINE, APAAN, 4MMC, 2CI, PMK/BMK OIL AND MANY MORE.

  6. We sell top grade Medical Marijuana Wax and Cannabis strains (Cannabis Oil) cure cancer and chronic pains if interested hit us. Text/call 7744821204 for your orders

  7. I would much rather see adolescents abusing marijuana than abusing alcohol. It saved me from a life of alcoholism and all the tragic consequences of that. Thankfully I started making the switch 50 years ago when I was 14. Its not what youth abuses Its about why. Once the adults learn that, it will no longer be an issue. love and peace to all americans.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts
Sha’Carri
Read More

Sha’Carri Richardson Qualifies for Paris Olympics

Sprinting star Sha’Carri Richardson has qualified for the 2024 U.S. Olympic team, three years after she was denied a chance to compete at the Tokyo Games following a positive drug test for weed.
Total
0
Share