Does liberalisation of cannabis policy influence levels of use in adolescents and young adults? A systematic review and meta-analysis

What is it about?

This study examines the consequences of policy changes which liberalise access to and use of cannabis, with regard to patterns of use in adolescents and young adults. The 41 original research articles examined, show no impact of cannabis decriminalisation or legalisation for medical purposes but a small increase in cannabis use among adolescents and young adults following legalisation of cannabis for recreational purposes (standardised mean difference of 0.03, 95% CI -0.01-0.07). Nevertheless, studies characterised by a very low/low risk of bias showed no evidence of changes in cannabis use following policy modifications, with the possible exception of legalisation of use for recreational purposes, which needs to be followed over the long-term.

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