As legalization of marijuana continues to expand, a pressing question emerges: how can we effectively keep this substance away from our teenagers? Researchers from a recent study at Johns Hopkins University believe that by taking lessons from the earlier legalization of alcohol and tobacco, we can proactively tackle this issue. Here are four practical strategies to consider:
1. Maintain High Prices
Research indicates that young people are more inclined to reduce their tobacco consumption when prices increase. Fortunately, marijuana is already generally more expensive than tobacco and alcohol, which gives us a head start. We need to ensure that prices remain balanced; if they soar too high, adult users may revert to illicit dealers. It’s essential to regulate the pricing of single joints and edibles, which are often more accessible to younger individuals.
2. Regulate Retail Locations
Studies show that easy access to illegal substances is often linked to their proximity to schools and parks. To combat this, we should establish a significant distance between marijuana retail shops and these youth-centric areas. Additionally, it may be beneficial to require that marijuana stores solely sell cannabis products. Stringent ID checks should be enforced at all entrances, with hefty fines for those who fail to verify the age of their customers.
3. Limit Child-Friendly Packaging
While teens may intentionally seek out marijuana, children are at risk of accidental ingestion, particularly with edibles that are often designed to look like candy. These products typically feature bright colors and appealing shapes, making them attractive to young children. States should legislate that edibles come in childproof packaging and avoid designs that appeal to kids. Do we really need cartoon characters on these packages?
4. Tighten Marketing Regulations
It’s well-documented that exposure to advertisements for alcohol and tobacco increases likelihood of use among youth. We should take this lesson to heart and closely regulate marijuana marketing from the outset. Avoid using cartoonish imagery, and ensure that commercials targeting teens do not glamorize marijuana use.
While marijuana presents unique challenges—such as the fact that it can be homegrown and is used medicinally for various conditions—it’s imperative that we don’t let history repeat itself. We must be vigilant to prevent young people from gaining easy access to marijuana.
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In summary, by implementing these strategies, we can minimize the risk of marijuana access for teens and prioritize their health and safety.
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