(Alexandria, VA) – Today, the results of a study conducted by Healthy Kids California was released purporting to show that marijuana legalization has not led to an increase in youth use of marijuana. Smart Approaches to Marijuana president and founder Dr. Kevin Sabet released the following statement:
“The reality is the majority of the data presented in this study were collected at a time when recreational marijuana use was not legal, let alone retail sales (which did not begin in limited locations until the first of this year). Additionally, the state survey glosses over the fact that most localities have banned pot shops altogether.
“There are valid concerns with several parts of the data. The report itself states: ‘Data on important correlates of [substance] use, perceived harm, availability, and personal, peer, and parental disapproval of use, were mixed.’ This means the raw data doesn’t back up the spin from the pot industry.
“Additionally, the methods of administering the survey were not consistent between 2011-2013 and 2015-2017, indicating these surveys are not reliably comparable.
“The big picture takeaway with both this survey and a similar survey out of Colorado is there is a lack of reliable baseline data from these states prior to legalization for us to be able to accurately report on youth use.
“We will be closely watching more robust data sets over the next few years as California goes out of its way to commercialize drug use in the state.”
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