Cannabis Legalization and Juvenile Access
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Policy Brief

Cannabis Legalization and Juvenile Access

Decriminalizing marijuana and legalizing medical cannabis did not increase juvenile use.

As states legalize medical and recreational cannabis use, an important policy goal has been to prevent access by juveniles. Research finds that cannabis can harm developing brains, but at the same time cannabinoids can be efficacious for some medical uses in juveniles.

We do know that decriminalizing marijuana and legalizing medical cannabis did not increase juvenile use. And we know that so far, the evidence indicates that legalization, if anything, reduces juvenile use.

Policy Brief: Cannabis Legalization and Juvenile Access