Marijuana Legalization Increases Use Among Youth: New Study

Research published this month shows marijuana legalization is tied to increased use among youth.

The study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry examined how state laws legalizing marijuana affect young people.

Researchers found recreational marijuana laws are linked to a 13% increase in marijuana use among youth. The article also notes that recent studies show a growing trend of marijuana use among youth in states where recreational marijuana is legal.

The findings are troubling, given how research increasingly shows marijuana is harmful to children, teens, and young adults.

Nationwide, since 2019, the number of kids diagnosed with cannabis-induced mental disorders — including schizophrenia and psychotic episodes — has increased by 50%.

And research has shown time and again that marijuana has a significant potential for dependence and abuse.

As we have said for years: Marijuana may be many things, but “harmless” simply is not one of them.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.