Does Medical Marijuana Increase Teen Pot Use?

 

In states where marijuana is legal, for medicinal purposes, some law-enforcement officials have expressed concern about an increase in teenage drug use. When the U.S. Attorney for Colorado sent letters to marijuana dispensaries located within 1,000 feet of schools, asking them to relocate or close, he cited an increase in drug-related school disciplinary incidents and law-enforcement issues. School districts, he said, “have seen a dramatic increase in student abuse of marijuana, with resulting student suspensions and discipline.”

And, purely anecdotally, I’ve heard from friends in Colorado who have teenage children that they’re concerned about the prevalence of marijuana in the state. But a recent study casts doubt on the thesis that the legalization of medical marijuana increases recreational consumption among teenagers.

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Source: The Wall Street Journal

By Christopher Shea