Correlates of intentions to use cannabis among US high school seniors in the case of cannabis legalization

Abstract

Background Support for cannabis (“marijuana”) legalization is increasing in the United States (US). Use was recently legalized in two states and in Uruguay, and other states and countries are expected to follow suit. This study examined intentions to use among US high school seniors if cannabis were to become legally available. Methods Data from the last five cohorts (2007–2011) of high school seniors in Monitoring the Future, an annual nationally representative survey of students in the US were utilized. Data were analyzed separately for the 6,116 seniors who reported no lifetime use of cannabis and the 3,828 seniors who reported lifetime use (weighted Ns). We examined whether demographic characteristics, substance use and perceived friend disapproval towards cannabis use were associated with 1) intention to try cannabis among non-lifetime users, and 2) intention to use cannabis as often or more often among lifetime users, if cannabis was legal to use. Results Ten percent of non-cannabis-using students reported intent to initiate use if legal and this would constitute a 5.6% absolute increase in lifetime prevalence of cannabis use in this age group from 45.6% (95% CI=46.6, 44.6) to 51.2% (95% CI=50.2, 52.2). Eighteen percent of lifetime users reported intent to use cannabis more often if it was legal. Odds for intention to use outcomes increased among groups already at high risk for use (e.g., males, whites, cigarette smokers) and odds were reduced when friends disapproved of use. However, large proportions of subgroups of students normally at low risk for use (e.g., non-cigarette-smokers, religious students, those with friends who disapprove of use) reported intention to use if legal. Recent use was also a risk factor for reporting intention to use as often or more often. Conclusion Prevalence of cannabis use is expected to increase if cannabis is legal to use and legally available.

The Formation of Marijuana Risk Perception in a Population of Substance Abusing Patients

“…It has been hypothesized that legalization of marijuana may act to reduce risk perception, and thereby potentially increase use [14,15]. Current epidemiological data in states where marijuana has recently been legalized for medical use does not support this idea [16], although it may be too early to detect real effects of policy change.…”

The Impact of Marijuana Legalization on Adolescent Use, Consequences, and Perceived Risk

“…Additionally, many studies have shown that the legalization of marijuana has contributed to the general continuation of marijuana use and decrease in alcohol consumption rates, resulting in less traffic fatalities, decreased suicide rates, and variable marijuana-use-related patterns of behavior among adolescents Anderson, Rees, & Sabia, 2014). Consequently, adolescents' perceptions of marijuana use have likely shifted to a more positive view while concerns of adolescent marijuana-use consequences have increased (Palamar, Ompad, & Perkova, 2014;Wall et al, 2011). Despite the consensus that marijuana use is impairing to adolescents (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2008), there have been mixed results on the relationship between marijuana legalization and subsequent rates of use and consequences among adolescents.…”

“…Palamar, Ompad, and Perkova (2014) examined intentions to use marijuana if it became legalized among marijuana using and nonusing adolescents. Ten percent of nonusers reported intention to use if marijuana became legal, and those that were current smokers indicated that they would smoke marijuana more often if it became legal.…”

Influence of legal status on the uptake of cannabis in young people

“…Depenalisation refers to the lessening of penalties (criminal or civil) attached to cannabis possession while decriminalisation is form of depenalisation concerned with removing the criminal status (10). Policy changes in European countries 4 such as Netherlands which accommodate the sale and use of small amounts of cannabis align with International Treaties by retaining cannabis as an illegal substance (5,11,12).…”

“…Recent changes in Uruguay, Colorado and Washington states in the USA have resulted in the legalisation of cannabis for recreational use (5,12).…”