In a recent study published in JAMA Network Open, researchers from the University of Manitoba and Memorial University of Newfoundland have reported a concerning trend related to the legalization of youth-oriented cannabis edibles and extracts in Canada. The study revealed that the legalization of these products was associated with higher cannabis use among adolescents during specific study periods.
Back in October 2018, Canada made a significant move by legalizing the sale of dried or fresh cannabis and cannabis oil to individuals above a legal minimum age of 18 or 19 years, depending on the province. A year later, cannabis edibles and extracts also became legal in all provinces except Quebec. These products included cannabis-infused chocolates, candies, desserts, and vaping oils, which were perceived as more appealing to adolescents than traditional dried cannabis.
However, Quebec decided to maintain a ban on youth-friendly cannabis edibles and vaping products due to concerns about accidental poisoning and worries about the normalization of cannabis use among young individuals. Some Atlantic provinces also imposed restrictions on cannabis vaping products.
Health officials had raised concerns about the potential impacts of legalizing these products on adolescent cannabis use, modes of consumption, perceptions of risk, and the likelihood of co-use with alcohol. Despite these concerns, existing research had not provided clear evidence on the effects of legalization on adolescent cannabis use.
The study titled “Legalizing Youth-Friendly Cannabis Edibles and Extracts and Adolescent Cannabis Use” conducted a serial cross-sectional analysis to investigate changes in adolescent cannabis use and perceptions of harm associated with the legalization of youth-friendly cannabis edibles and extracts in Canada. The researchers analyzed surveys from a cohort of 106,032 students in grades 7 to 11 who participated in the Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drugs Surveys during the 2018–2019 and 2021–2022 cycles.
The findings of the study revealed that in provinces where cannabis edibles and extracts were legalized, there was an increase in adolescent cannabis use compared to Quebec, where such products remained banned. The use of edible cannabis and cannabis smoking increased in legalization provinces, while Quebec saw a decline in cannabis use. There was also a slight increase in cannabis vaping in both groups.
Moreover, the study indicated that legalization was associated with a lower perception of harm from occasional cannabis use among adolescents. Despite these findings, the researchers emphasized that the study only established associations and not causation. They highlighted the need for further policy measures to reduce adolescent access to cannabis edibles and extracts.
In conclusion, the legalization of youth-oriented cannabis edibles and extracts in Canada was found to be linked to an increase in overall cannabis use among adolescents. The study also identified higher rates of co-use of cannabis and alcohol in provinces that legalized these products. These findings underscore the importance of considering the potential impact of cannabis legalization on adolescent substance use and the need for targeted interventions to address these concerns.
