Determining what age is optimal to use marijuana can be met with many differing opinions. A group of researchers however may have found the ideal age according to a new study out of Canada that was published in the peer-review journal BMC Public Health.
Researchers have found that 19-years-old is the optimal age in limiting negative impacts on long-term health, educational attainment, and mental wellness.
“While the medical community recommended an MLA [minimum legal age] of 21 or 25 based on neuroscientific evidence about adverse impacts of cannabis on cognitive development, this would lead to a large underground market for cannabis,” the study’s authors wrote. “On the contrary, policymakers have decided on a lower MLA such as 18 or 19 to curb the size of underground market, but this raises concerns about adverse outcomes for adolescents.”
“This study, however, found that later life outcomes associated with first using cannabis at age 19 are better than those associated with first using it at age 18 but not significantly different from those first using between 21 and 25.”
The researcher’s findings reported different ages were optimal based on the quality of focus. For general health purposes, 18-years-old was the optimal age. To ensure the greatest education retention, 21 was ideal. And those worried about mental health should know the best age is 19, according to the study.
“This finding helps to address concerns over potential adverse outcomes associated with setting a low age as MLA,” said the study. “At the same time, our findings can also be used to highlight to youth and their caregivers, the long-term adverse impacts of starting cannabis before age 19.”
