Teen Marijuana Use in California Declines Sharply Post-Legalization
Marijuana use by adolescents continues to decline in California, according to statewidedataprovided by the California Healthy Kids Survey, a biennial survey funded by the Departments of Health and Education.
Among 7thgraders, 4.2 percent reported ever having used cannabis during the years 2015 to 2017, as compared to 7.9 percent during the years 2013 to 2015(-47 percent). Among 9thgraders, 17.4 percent reported ever having used cannabis during the years 2015 to 2017, as compared to 23.1 percent during the years 2013 to 2015(-25 percent). Among 11thgraders, 31.9 percent reported ever having used cannabis during the years 2015 to 2017, as compared to 37.9 percent during the years 2013 to 2015(-16 percent).
These initial reports confirm that legalizing and regulating cannabis doesnt increase youth marijuana use, but rather it has the opposite effect, said Ellen Komp, deputy director of California NORML. The fact that the biggest drop in reported use came from younger age groups is a particularly encouraging indicator of the success of regulation.
Its time to stop trying to send a message to young people about drugs and instead implement sound, science-based policies that best protect our children and public safety, along with our privacy and human rights, concluded Komp.
The percentage of teens reporting ...
