According to new federal survey data, it seems that adolescents are using less marijuana in Colorado after legislation.
The data has found that following legalization in the state, the rate of adolescent marijuana use has fallen to its lowest level in almost ten years.
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health revealed that just a little over 9% of Colorado teens ages 12 to 17 have used marijuana monthly in 2015 and last year.
This is the lowest rate of usage since the years 2007 and 2008.
The survey used state-level data that was pooled in two-year periods. Despite the drop, it was revealed also that last year Colorado was ranked as number in the nation for adolescent marijuana use.
Many opponents of marijuana have used this as a means for arguing that marijuana legalization would be bad for children.
Brian Vicente of Vicente Sederberg LLC, who is oe of the drafters of Colorado’s marijuana ballot measure has said, “Teen use appears to be dropping now that state and local authorities are overseeing the production and sale of marijuana. There are serious penalties for selling to minors, and regulated cannabis businesses are being vigilant in checking IDs.”
