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35th AM (2025) - Poster Session
Cannabis Legalization and Its Impact on Adolescent ...
Cannabis Legalization and Its Impact on Adolescent Use and CUD Public Health Implications
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Pdf Summary
This report examines the impact of cannabis legalization on adolescent cannabis use and Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) in the United States, highlighting increased access, shifting risk perceptions, and public health responses. Despite cannabis being federally classified as a Schedule I substance, it remains the most commonly used illicit drug among adolescents, with legalization contributing to greater availability and normalized attitudes toward cannabis.<br /><br />Key findings indicate that in states with recreational cannabis legalization, adolescents report easier access and higher rates of past-month use. This increased prevalence raises concerns about associated risks such as traffic accidents, psychiatric issues, and CUD. Data from national surveys like Monitoring the Future (MTF) and the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) show cannabis use rises with grade level, and risk perception among youth has declined; only 36% of 12th graders perceive regular cannabis use as risky compared to higher risk perception for drugs like heroin and cocaine. Paradoxically, adolescent treatment admissions for CUD have decreased in some states post-legalization, possibly due to stigma, limited service access, and low perceived need.<br /><br />Current surveillance tools effectively track adolescent use trends but lack indicators specifically for CUD, limiting early identification and intervention efforts. Addressing these gaps requires enhanced education and screening tailored to youth vulnerabilities. Programs such as California’s 2023 Mind Over Marijuana campaign and Stanford’s Smart Talk curriculum show promise by increasing awareness of cannabis harms, improving risk perception, and teaching refusal skills.<br /><br />In conclusion, evolving cannabis policies necessitate robust public health strategies focused on prevention, education, and improved surveillance to protect adolescents. Continued research and policy efforts should target reducing normalization, correcting risk misperceptions, and expanding resources to identify and treat CUD among youth amidst increasing cannabis accessibility.
Keywords
cannabis legalization
adolescent cannabis use
Cannabis Use Disorder
public health responses
cannabis access
risk perception
Monitoring the Future
National Survey on Drug Use and Health
youth cannabis prevention
cannabis education programs
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