Legalization and retail availability of recreational marijuana and adolescent use in schools

Legalization of use and retail sales of recreational marijuana in U.S. states and the associated potential increase in access to marijuana and normalization of its use by adults could lead to increased use by adolescents. Studies have found that states with legal recreational marijuana have higher rates of adolescent use and frequency of use compared to states without legal use. We examined changes in student office discipline referrals (ODRs) for substance use offenses in Oregon middle and high schools before and after the legalization of recreational marijuana relative to comparison schools in other states. We found that rates of substance use related ODRs in middle schools increased by 0.14 per 100 students (30% of the mean) with legalization relative to comparison schools. This increase was moderated by the presence of a marijuana outlet within one mile of the school. We found no statistically discernible changes in high school ODRs. Marijuana use in adolescence has been linked to negative health and social consequences, including academic problems, mental health issues, and impaired driving. Potential adverse impact on adolescents and investments in school-based prevention programs could be important considerations for policymakers and public health officials when evaluating marijuana legalization.

Automated summary

The legalization of recreational marijuana in some U.S. states has led to an increase in adolescent use. In Oregon, middle schools experienced a rise in substance use offenses after legalization, especially when marijuana outlets were present nearby. High school offenses, however, did not show significant changes. Adolescents who use marijuana are more likely to face academic, mental health, and driving-related problems. Policymakers and public health officials should consider these potential adverse impacts on adolescents and the importance of investing in school-based prevention programs when evaluating marijuana legalization.