Cannabis decriminalization and the age of onset of cannabis use.

Int J Drug Policy. 2017 Apr 7;43:122-129. doi: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.02.014.

[Epub ahead of print]

Červený J¹, Chomynová P², Mravčík V³, van Ours JC⁴.

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Abstract

BACKGROUND:

In the Czech Republic in 2010 a law was introduced decriminalizing personal possession of small quantities of several illicit drugs, including cannabis.

METHODS:

We use 2012 survey data to examine the effect of a change in cannabis policy on the age of onset of cannabis use. We estimate the effect of the policy change using a mixed proportional hazards framework that models the transition to first cannabis use.

RESULTS:

The change in cannabis policy did not affect the transition to first cannabis use.

CONCLUSION:

We find no evidence of cannabis decriminalization affecting the age of onset of cannabis use.

KEYWORDS:

Age of onset; Cannabis; Decriminalization

PMID: 28395168
DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.02.014