Legalization of cannabis products may be linked to growing use among teens, a new study found. Teen use of cannabis rose 26% in Canadian provinces that legalized the sale of edibles and extracts in October 2019, according to the study, which published Friday in the journal JAMA Network Open. Edible use increased 43%, raising concerns about youth-friendly forms of the drug, such as cannabis chocolates, candies, sodas and desserts — the same products responsible for a growing number of child hospitalizations in the US. Based on surveys of more than 106,000 students aged 12 to 17 years old, the study found use remained stable in Quebec, where the sale of these products was still banned. Canada legalized dried cannabis use in October 2018, and all Canadian provinces except Quebec followed a year later by legalizing the sale of cannabis edibles and extracts. While Canada’s 2018 law prohibits the sale of cannabis to individuals under 18, the study suggests legalization could have made these products more accessible to teens and influenced their attitudes surrounding use. Canadian laws require child-resistant, plain and clearly labeled packaging for cannabis edibles, but illicit products sold online and by unauthorized distributors often look like other snacks, according to the study. “This finding is important in light of previous literature regarding potential long-term adverse health effects of cannabis use for adolescents,” said senior author Dr. Hai Nguyen, a professor in the School of Pharmacy at Memorial University of Newfoundland, in an email. Teens using cannabis products regularly are at a greater risk for developing dependency disorders later in life, according to neuroscientist Joshua Gowin, who was not involved in the study. “Some (studies) suggest that cannabis use during adolescence, especially heavy use, could alter brain development,” said Gowin, an assistant professor of radiology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. “If you start using earlier, it may be harder to change that trajectory later on.” Cannabis use can affect parts of the brain that deal with attention, coordination, learning, decision-making and emotional regulation, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Use at an early age has been linked to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and a heightened risk of developing longer-lasting mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, in adulthood. Despite these risks, the study found the students perceived less harm from occasional cannabis use because of its legalization. Using both cannabis and alcohol at the same time, which studies show can lead to higher and more frequent consumption of both, was 28% more prevalent after legalization as well. Correlation versus causation When it comes to social attitudes around drug use, causality is often complicated to prove, because laws can change in response to cultural changes as well, Gowin said. For this reason, other research methods beyond surveys can play an important role in understanding the effects of legalization for future policymaking decisions. In the US, the relationship between adolescent use and legalization may be even more complex to study because of variations in state and local regulations, Gowin said. Federally, cannabis is illegal, but 47 states have legalized it for medical uses and 24 states for adult recreational purposes. Each state has its own laws about marketing, packaging and distribution of these products. Nguyen also noted his research only addresses short-term effects based on one point in time after legalization, so it’s important to continuously study how use patterns evolve and reflect changes in the laws. Harm reduction solutions In the meantime, Nguyen recommended policymakers focus on striking the right balance between adult access and teen protection. Further enforcement may be needed to crack down on marketing and packaging that appeals to younger people, he noted, and local regulators can ensure cannabis distributors are located an appropriate distance away from schools. “It is also essential to invest in public education campaigns that raise awareness about the risks of cannabis use among adolescents,” Nguyen said, adding that multimedia public health campaigns, school-based awareness efforts and parent-child communication are all important prevention strategies. Parent-youth communication guides can help families have more informed conversations at home and navigate common misconceptions about edible use, Nguyen said. “It’s not about scaring people,” Gowin said. “Honesty and truth can be at the forefront of the conversations and hopefully people can make up their own minds about what’s the best thing for them, their families and their communities.”
Teen cannabis use increased after legalization in Canada, study finds
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Study Links Cannabis Legalization to Increased Use Among Canadian Teens"
CNN
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TruthLens AI Summary
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open indicates a significant increase in cannabis use among Canadian teens following the legalization of edible and extract forms of cannabis in October 2019. The study, which surveyed over 106,000 students aged 12 to 17, revealed a 26% rise in overall cannabis use among adolescents in provinces that legalized these products, with a notable 43% increase in the consumption of edibles such as chocolates and candies. This rise in usage raises concerns regarding the appeal of these youth-friendly cannabis products, similar to trends observed in the United States, where there has been a concerning increase in child hospitalizations related to cannabis edibles. In contrast, Quebec, which has maintained a ban on the sale of these products, saw stable usage rates among teens, highlighting the potential impact of accessibility on consumption patterns. The study suggests that while Canadian laws prohibit cannabis sales to individuals under 18, legalization may have inadvertently made these products more accessible to the youth, thereby altering their perceptions of cannabis use and its associated risks.
Experts caution that increased cannabis use during adolescence is linked to adverse long-term health effects, including the risk of developing dependency disorders and potential alterations in brain development. Neuroscientist Joshua Gowin emphasizes that early cannabis use can affect critical brain functions such as attention, learning, and emotional regulation, potentially leading to mental health issues in adulthood. The study also noted a 28% increase in concurrent use of alcohol and cannabis among teens post-legalization, further complicating the landscape of adolescent substance use. Researchers advocate for a balanced approach in policy-making that prioritizes teen protection while allowing adult access to cannabis. They recommend enhanced regulations on marketing and packaging of cannabis products to deter youth appeal and emphasize the importance of public education campaigns aimed at raising awareness of the risks associated with cannabis use among adolescents. Continuous research is urged to monitor the evolving patterns of cannabis consumption and to inform future legislative decisions effectively.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents findings from a recent study indicating a significant increase in cannabis use among teenagers in Canada following the legalization of cannabis edibles and extracts. This data raises vital questions surrounding the implications of cannabis legalization on youth behavior, particularly in relation to health risks.
Intent of the Report
The study aims to shed light on the potential consequences of cannabis legalization, particularly how it may have contributed to increased accessibility for teenagers. The intent behind publishing these findings could be to inform policymakers and the public about the unintended effects of legalization, especially concerning youth usage rates and health risks.
Perception Manipulation
By highlighting the substantial rise in teen cannabis use, the article may aim to shape public perception about the dangers of cannabis legalization. The focus on youth-friendly products, such as edibles resembling candies and chocolates, may evoke concern among parents and communities, potentially influencing public sentiment against further cannabis legalization or the need for stricter regulations.
Omitted Aspects
The article does not discuss potential benefits of cannabis legalization, such as medicinal uses or reduced criminalization, which may present a more balanced view of the issue. This selective reporting could suggest an agenda to emphasize the negative consequences while downplaying any positive outcomes associated with legalization.
Manipulative Nature Assessment
The article may possess a moderate level of manipulativeness. While it does present factual data derived from a substantial survey population, the framing of the information could spur fear or concern regarding youth cannabis use. This could be seen as a strategic choice to prompt discussion or action regarding cannabis regulations.
Reliability of Information
The data presented in the article appears to be credible, as it references a study published in a reputable journal, JAMA Network Open. However, the interpretation and emphasis placed on the findings could influence how the information is perceived by the public. The reliance on statistics without discussing broader contexts or counterarguments may lead to an incomplete understanding of the situation.
Societal Implications
The findings may provoke debates within society regarding youth health, cannabis legislation, and the responsibilities of both the government and cannabis producers. In the long term, this could influence policies related to drug education, prevention programs, and restrictions on cannabis marketing aimed at younger demographics.
Target Audience
The article seems to cater primarily to concerned parents, educators, and health professionals, as well as policymakers who may be contemplating the implications of cannabis legalization. This demographic is likely to be more sensitive to issues surrounding youth health and substance use.
Market Impact
While the article does not directly address stock market implications, it could indirectly affect companies involved in the cannabis industry. Increased concern over youth usage may lead to calls for stricter regulations, potentially impacting market stability and investor confidence in cannabis-related stocks.
Global Context
This report connects to broader discussions on drug policy and public health in various countries that are considering or have implemented cannabis legalization. The findings may resonate with ongoing debates in regions where cannabis laws are evolving, illustrating the challenges faced in balancing legalization with public health concerns.
AI Influence
There is no clear indication that AI was used in crafting this article. However, if AI tools were employed, they could have influenced the structure and presentation of data, possibly emphasizing certain aspects over others, which could affect the narrative direction.
The article effectively highlights critical issues surrounding cannabis use among teens post-legalization but could benefit from a more balanced perspective that includes both the risks and potential benefits associated with cannabis legalization.