March 16, 2022

 

CPEAR Policy Paper: Cannabis Legalization Is Not Associated with Increases in Youth Use 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation (CPEAR) released a policy paper titled, “Addressing Youth and Cannabis: Solutions to combat and prevent youth misuse through a federal regulatory system.” The latest report from CPEAR outlines proven solutions to address youth prevention. 

“Over 100 million Americans live in a state with legalized, adult-use cannabis – but what we should consider is what that means for our nation’s youth,” said Andrew Freedman, executive director of CPEAR. “This research highlights how preventing youth from using cannabis requires local communities and stakeholders to be at the forefront of this effort. It further outlines the need for congressional action to build a federal cannabis framework rooted in data, correct the current patchwork of cannabis laws, and build preventative measures into place to protect America’s youth from cannabis misuse.” 

Additional key findings of the policy report include: 

  • Data reveals youth use either decreases or remains flat in regulated cannabis markets;  
  • Under government guidance, access to research, and increased exposure to community-driven, science-based after school programming, cannabis use among young people decreases and prevents intake at an early age; and 
  • Youth cannabis access would most likely decline in regulated markets due to a lack of illicit markets. 

Click here to read the paper in full.  

Register here for a panel discussion around CPEAR’s youth prevention paper with special guest U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper.  



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About the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation 


A 501(c)(4) non-profit organization, the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation (CPEAR) works to advance comprehensive policy solutions for cannabis legalization and regulation. The Coalition strives to be a trusted, science-driven resource for lawmakers and the larger stakeholder community, developing responsible policies that provide access to cannabis while protecting consumers and patients, barring underage use, upholding public health and safety, and promoting social equity. Comprised of a diverse group of stakeholders, the Coalition brings unique perspectives to the table to thoughtfully address what a national, legal cannabis industry should look like. To learn more, visit www.CPEAR.org and follow us on Twitter.