Implications of Cannabis Legalization on Youth Health and Safety

Implications of Cannabis Legalization on Youth Health and Safety

A position statement on the Implications of Cannabis Legalization on Youth and Young Adultswas recently published from the Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA).

In the statement, the CPA highlights evidence-based knowledge about marijuana use and health effects on young people, including brain and cognitive development, psychotic illness, depression, dependence, and progression to other drug use.

The report also recognized that prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE) may have negative effects on the cognitive development, behavior and academic achievement of children because of marijuana on the fetal endocannabinoid system.

The CPA position statement concluded with a series of recommendations to protect the mental health of youth and young adults.  These included:

  1. Access to cannabis should not be prior to age 21, with restrictions on quantity and THC potency between ages 21-25.
  2. Significant support is needed for public health education and resources targeting youth and young adults.
  3. Significant support is needed for additional biological and psychosocial research on cannabis effects on mental health.
  4. Support should be expanded for cannabis prevention, early intervention and cessation treatments.
  5. Advertising and marketing guidelines with clear labeling of THC and CBD content, and public health warning messages of adverse effects of cannabis are needed.

 

Get the PDF document on the position statement: http://www.cpa-apc.org/wp-content/uploads/Cannabis-Academy-Position-Statement-ENG-FINAL-no-footers-web.pdf

Please share this document with others looking for evidence-based information about marijuana and health. 

Thank you!

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