We all know that keeping our teens away from marijuana is a hot topic these days, especially with its increasing legality. Researchers from the University of Riverside believe that by learning from past experiences with alcohol and tobacco, we can tackle this issue head-on. Here are four effective strategies to consider:
1. Price it High
Young people are particularly sensitive to price changes when it comes to substances like tobacco. Thankfully, marijuana is generally pricier than tobacco and alcohol. The goal here isn’t to make it so expensive that adults feel forced to revert to shady dealers, but finding a sweet spot is key. Monitoring the availability of single joints and edibles is vital, as these are often within a teen’s budget.
2. Mind the Store Location
It’s no surprise that proximity to schools and parks increases the likelihood of substance use among the youth. Therefore, let’s keep those marijuana shops a fair distance away from these areas. Another suggestion is to ensure that stores focus solely on marijuana products—no mixed merchandise. Strict ID checks at entrances could also help. Remember, retailers should never guess a buyer’s age; let’s hit them with hefty fines if they sell to underage customers!
3. Make it Unappealing
While teens might seek out marijuana, younger kids could accidentally consume it, particularly with enticing edibles. These treats often resemble sweets and come in colorful packaging, making them irresistible to children. States should implement laws that require childproof packaging and designs that are less appealing to kids. Seriously, do we need cartoons on edible wrappers?
4. Regulate Marketing
We know that exposure to alcohol and tobacco advertising influences youth behavior. Let’s not repeat history with marijuana marketing. We should establish strict guidelines from the get-go—no cartoon characters, no commercials during kid-friendly programming, and definitely no glorifying pot in media aimed at teens.
The researchers rightly note that marijuana comes with unique challenges—like the fact that it can be easily grown at home and is sometimes used medicinally for various conditions. But if we don’t take proactive measures, we could find ourselves in a pickle, just like we did with alcohol and tobacco.
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In summary, by keeping marijuana prices high, controlling store locations, making products less appealing to children, and regulating marketing, we can help shield our teens from early exposure to marijuana. The future is in our hands—let’s not let it slip away!