The legalization promotes cannabis consumption? Absolutely not.
This is confirmed by yet another scientific publication, which has shown the exact opposite: where cannabis is legal consumption among adolescents decreases.
“The percentage of teens reporting current marijuana use dropped significantly from 23.1% in 2011 to 15.8% in 2021. Self-reporting of having tried marijuana before age 13 for the first time also decreased significantly from 8.1% in 2011 to 4.9% in 2021", we read from study conducted by researchers at Florida Atlantic University.
“The results of this study show declining trends in marijuana use among U.S. high school adolescents from 2011 to 2021", the scholars underlined.
They continue, "The significant decreases observed in both the 'never used marijuana' and 'currently using marijuana' categories highlight a promising reduction in marijuana use among adolescents, with usage falling to around 70% of levels recorded in 2011."
"In the same way - they conclude - the percentage of adolescents who have tried marijuana before the age of 13 she came down at around 60% of 2011 levels."
One of the most interesting data for researchers, however, "is the change in marijuana consumption trends by gender, with girls outnumbering boys in reported marijuana use by 2021."
USA, cannabis consumption among young people has dropped by 20%.
As highlighted from data from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), cannabis use among adolescents in the United States is dropped by 20% in the last 10 years.
A phenomenon that is anything but random.
In fact, it's been 10 years that some form of cannabis regulation has been adopted in the USA.
What does all this mean?
As also confirmed by other previous studies, legalization does not encourage the use of cannabis among younger people, in fact, it can make it decrease.
| For further information: "Legalization does not increase cannabis consumption among young people, studies"
In particular, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) confirmed that:
- between 2014 and 2023, they are down by 18% adolescents who have used cannabis
- I'm the 15% less instead the kids who have taken marijuana in the last year
- finally, it is dropped by 19% daily use among young people
“The sensational claims that legalization laws are linked to increased marijuana use by teenagers simply they are not true"he declared Paul Armentano, the deputy director of NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws).
He continues: "These government findings should reassure legislators that access to cannabis can be legally regulated in a way that is safe, effective and does not have an unintended impact on the habits of young people".
* Photo by Elsa Olofsson on Unsplash
