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Medical Marijuana Laws and Teen Marijuana Use

Author

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  • D. Mark Anderson
  • Benjamin Hansen
  • Daniel I. Rees

Abstract

Although policymakers and law enforcement officials argue that medical marijuana laws (MMLs) "send the wrong message" to young people, previous studies have produced no evidence of a causal relationship between MMLs and marijuana use among teens. Using data from the national and state Youth Risk Behavior Surveys, the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997, and the Treatment Episode Data Set, we revisit this relationship. Our results are not consistent with the hypothesis that legalization of medical marijuana leads to increased marijuana use among teenagers.

Suggested Citation

  • D. Mark Anderson & Benjamin Hansen & Daniel I. Rees, 2015. "Medical Marijuana Laws and Teen Marijuana Use," American Law and Economics Review, Oxford University Press, vol. 17(2), pages 495-528.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:amlawe:v:17:y:2015:i:2:p:495-528.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • K4 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior
    • I1 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health
    • D8 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty

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