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What a Scientist Suggests You Tell Your Kids About Legal Marijuana

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April 21, 2017

With marijuana legal in some form in 26 states and the District of Columbia, the old script for talking to your children about pot is changing. Behavioral scientist Elizabeth D’Amico, who has researched drug and alcohol use among teens for more than 20 years, discusses what kids need to know.

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Elizabeth D'Amico, Senior Behavioral Scientist, RAND Corporation

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Does Legalization Affect Teen Marijuana Use?
Teen marijuana use increased in Washington after legalization, but remained constant in Colorado. States considering legalized recreational marijuana for adults should also address the potential effects on teens.
Mar 16, 2017
Magdalena Cerdá, Melanie Wall, et al.
Adolescent Alcohol and Marijuana Use Predicts Poor Academic Performance and Health Problems
Adolescents who use both marijuana and alcohol are more likely to have poor academic performance and mental health during high school. Marijuana use is predictive of poorer functioning across more areas than alcohol use, and nonwhite youth tend to experience poorer functioning than white youth.
Jun 14, 2016
Elizabeth J. D'Amico, Joan S. Tucker, et al.
Early Substance Use and Subsequent DUI in Teens
In early adolescence, positive beliefs about marijuana and one’s ability to resist it have the strongest association with driving under the influence or riding with a drinking driver. As adolescents progress through middle school, the influence of those around them who use alcohol and marijuana becomes more important.
Nov 18, 2015
Brett Ewing, Joan S. Tucker, et al.