With the increasing legalization of marijuana, it’s essential to consider how we can effectively keep it away from our youth. A team of researchers from Johns Hopkins University suggests that by applying lessons learned from the regulation of alcohol and tobacco, we can proactively tackle this issue. Here are some thoughtful suggestions they shared:
1. Maintain High Prices
The researchers note that young people are more likely to limit their use of substances like tobacco when prices rise. Since marijuana is generally pricier than tobacco or alcohol, we might already be on the right track. However, we need to ensure prices remain reasonable for adults to avoid pushing them back to street dealers. Striking a balance is crucial, particularly with single joints and edibles, which tend to be more affordable for teens.
2. Regulate Retail Locations
Research indicates that youth are more prone to substance use when products are sold near schools or playgrounds. To combat this, it’s wise to keep marijuana retail outlets at a significant distance from these areas. Additionally, the researchers recommend that stores specializing in marijuana should not sell any other products. Implementing strict ID checks at the entrances can help too—retailers should never guess a buyer’s age. Enforcing hefty fines for selling to underage customers can further discourage violations.
3. Make Products Less Attractive to Kids
While teens may seek out marijuana, younger children could accidentally consume it. The main concern is with edibles, which are often designed as sweet treats with vibrant packaging that attracts kids. Although raw marijuana leaves are not harmful, edibles can have a strong impact on children. Therefore, it’s essential for states to enforce regulations requiring childproof packaging and less appealing designs for these products. Seriously, do we need cartoons on edible packaging?
4. Control Marketing Efforts
We know that young people exposed to marketing for alcohol and tobacco are more likely to use those substances. It’s time we apply what we’ve learned and impose strict regulations on marijuana advertising from the get-go. This means no cartoonish imagery, no commercials during kids’ shows, and no glamorization of marijuana in media aimed at teens.
The researchers rightly highlight that marijuana presents unique challenges that differ from those related to alcohol and tobacco. For instance, it can be easily cultivated at home, and its medicinal use has led some parents to turn to it for their children’s health issues. However, if we don’t learn from the past and allow marijuana to slip into the hands of our youth, we will have no one to blame but ourselves.
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In summary, addressing teen marijuana use requires a multifaceted approach that includes maintaining higher prices, regulating retail environments, ensuring product safety, and controlling marketing. By learning from past experiences with alcohol and tobacco, we can make informed decisions to protect our youth.