As medical and recreational marijuana legalization continually loom, several conservative groups are trying to protest stating that it can greatly affect the teenage population. Contrary to their claims however, it was revealed that marijuana legalization does not "dumb down" American teens.
Several conservative parenting groups and campaigns fought the odds of having recreational marijuana legalized. One of the most active campaign that stood against the legalization is the But What about the Children? Campaign, wherein they pledged to "protect the children" from marijuana legalization.
Their stand is being pointed out on the recreational use of marijuana, which can potentially lead to abuse. They then cited that recreational marijuana legalization can lead children into alcohol and tobacco consumption.
Their claims are backed by a study published on PunMed where it was stated that marijuana legalization is a gateway to curiosity. The studies pointed out that the attention given to the legalization of medical marijuana increased the curiosity of teenagers prompting them to experiment with marijuana consumption.
Their claims however were slammed by a study reported by EurekAlert where it was mentioned that after marijuana legalization, marijuana related problems among adolescents continually declined.
The study was done by Washington University School of Medicine came up with the data wherein it was highlighted that there was a huge decline of marijuana users among teenagers ages 12 to 17. The data gathered was from 2013 to 2014, wherein the decrease was 24 percent.
According to the study's author, Richard A. Grucza, PhD, the huge decline among teenagers and their marijuana consumption took place after marijuana legalization. The researchers could not pinpoint as to why the decline took place, but they considered the childhood conflicts in terms of the reason as to why teenagers ventured marijuana consumption.
"We were surprised to see substantial declines in marijuana use and abuse," Grucza said. "We don't know how legalization is affecting young marijuana users, but it could be that many kids with behavioral problems are more likely to get treatment earlier in childhood, making them less likely to turn to pot during adolescence. But whatever is happening with these behavioral issues, it seems to be outweighing any effects of marijuana decriminalization."
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