Fears about Illinois’ new medical marijuana law are continuing the popular trend of allowing emotions, rather than data, to dictate opinions on marijuana laws (“Anti-pot campaigns face new obstacle,” Aug. 4). There is no solid evidence to suggest that legalizing medical marijuana increases use among young people. Several studies have evaluated the effects of medical marijuana laws in the states that have them (the earliest, California’s, was passed back in 1996) and none have demonstrated an increase in youth use.
Additionally, changes in marijuana availability have not been linked to changes in youth marijuana use, as asserted by D.A.R.E. president Frank Pegueros. Monitoring the Future survey data indicate that marijuana use among youth has oscillated drastically over the past few decades, despite availability remaining
The most accurate predictors of marijuana use among youth continue to be perception of harmfulness and approval of use, both of which highlight the importance of effective drug education over punitive laws. The focus of drug education, however, is in need of a change–studies evaluating the effectiveness of the law
enforcement-sponsored D.A.R.E. program have shown it to have little to no impact on youth drug use, but it remains a standard in many schools around the nation. This is indicative of a much-needed shift away from law enforcement as a drug prevention tool.
An overreliance on punitive sanctions for over four decades has left many Americans frightened at the prospect of relaxing any marijuana laws. But research clearly shows that informing young people of the risks of marijuana—not enforcing strict laws—is the most important factor in preventing youth use. As laxer marijuana laws become increasingly popular across the country, drug education will need to step away from the black-and-white approach of law enforcement and instead promote an honest and evidence-based dialogue with young people about the health risks of drugs.
— Zoe Amerigian, Miami, Fla.