Journal of studies on alcohol and drugs
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J Stud Alcohol Drugs · Jan 2021
Recreational Marijuana Legalization and Use Among California Adolescents: Findings From a Statewide Survey.
The legalization of recreational marijuana use and retail sales raises concerns about possible effects on marijuana use among adolescents. We evaluated the effects of recreational marijuana legalization (RML) in California in November 2016 on use among adolescents and investigated subgroup differences in these effects. ⋯ RML in California was associated with an increase in adolescent marijuana use in 2017-2018 and 2018-2019. Demographic subgroup differences in these associations were observed. Evidence-based prevention programs and greater local control on retail marijuana sales may help to reduce marijuana availability and use among adolescents.