Rapid reduction in perception of risks of cannabis to adolescents does not mean increase in consumption

A US study took into account the trend of decrease in perception of risk of cannabis in adolescents, which is normally used as a predictor of levels of consumption, and evaluated the validity of this practice at a time of rapid change in public policies.

As a method, the authors analysed two representative cross-party studies of the US and the National Survey of Use on Drug Use and Health (2002 – 2014) examining prevailing trends from one year to the next regarding the risk of consuming cannabis, and current daily use, a regressive line model that proved a change in the relationship between the trends.

The study concluded that the rapid decrease in perception of risk had not produced an increase in marijuana consumption in adolescents. Those responsible for deciding public policies should consider broader prevention strategies, as well as focusing on perceptions of risk of cannabis. Greater monitoring of predictions of consumer trends is needed now that states are legalising the use of recreational cannabis.

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