A recent study published in the International Journal of Drug Policy1 provides valuable information on the effects of cannabis legalization on rates of use among adolescents. Conducted by researchers from Australia and the Czech Republic, the study evaluated the results of cannabis reform in various jurisdictions, including the Netherlands, Spain, the United States, Uruguay and Canada.
Key Findings
- Adolescent Use: The study found no significant increase in cannabis use among adolescents following legalization. This challenges the common argument made by opponents of cannabis reform, who often claim that legalization will lead to higher rates of use among youth.
- Adult Use and Arrests: In regions where cannabis was legalized, there was a notable increase in adult cannabis use, along with a significant decrease in cannabis-related arrests. This suggests that legalization may help reduce criminalization associated with cannabis possession and use, allowing law enforcement to focus on more serious crimes.
- Health Service Use: Researchers observed an increase in the use of cannabis-related health services, although this did not extend to traffic-related incidents. This change indicates a changing perception of cannabis within health systems, potentially leading to more open discussions about its use and benefits.
- Social and Health Outcomes: The study categorized the results into three areas: social outcomes, cannabis use outcomes, and health-related outcomes. He emphasized that, while regulating the supply of cannabis can bring social benefits, there may also be public health implications depending on the regulatory model adopted.
- Comparative Analysis: Using a systematic literature review, the researchers focused on quasi-experimental designs to assess the impact of different models of cannabis regulation. This comprehensive approach provided a nuanced understanding of the effects of legalization in different contexts.
Implications for Future Cannabis Policies in Albania
As Albania considers the legalization of medical cannabis and cannabis for adult use, the findings from this study can serve as an important reference point. With the legalization of medical cannabis in July 2023, Albania is at a pivotal moment in shaping its drug policy. Evidence suggesting that legalization does not lead to increased adolescent use may help ease concerns among policymakers and the public.
In Albania, where cannabis cultivation has a long history and is often associated with illicit activities, moving to a regulated market could reduce the stigma associated with cannabis use and promote safer consumption practices. Furthermore, the potential for increased tax revenues from legal cannabis sales could be directed toward public health initiatives and educational programs designed to prevent substance use among youth.
By adopting a regulatory framework that prioritizes public health and safety, Albania can create a balanced approach to cannabis that addresses both the benefits of legalization and the need to protect its youth.
Research Confirms Cannabis Legalization Lowers Youth Use Rates
The study is consistent with previous research from the United States and Canada that found that legalization did not lead to an increase in use among minors. For example, a study from Florida Atlantic University found that current cannabis use among teens fell from 23.1% in 2011 to 15.8% in 2021. Similarly, data from the Marijuana Policy Project showed that legalization was associated with a decrease in youth cannabis use, with a notable decrease in the percentage of students reporting past 30-day cannabis use.
Evidence Supporting Cannabis Legalization
Overall, the study contributes to a growing body of evidence suggesting that cannabis legalization, when implemented with appropriate regulations, does not necessarily lead to increased use by adolescents and can provide a variety of social and health benefits. As more jurisdictions explore cannabis reform, these findings could play an important role in shaping future policies, providing reassurance to parents and educators about the potential impacts of legalization on youth.
This informed, evidence-based approach could help Albania create a sustainable and effective cannabis policy, ensuring that a safer and healthier future for future generations.
Reference;
- Vendula Belackova, Benjamin Petruzelka, Jakub Cihak, Jana Michailidu, Viktor Mravcik, Getting “The whole picture”: A review of international research on the outcomes of regulated cannabis supply, International Journal of Drug Policy, Volume 142, 2025, 104796, ISSN 0955-3959, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955395925000957
