As marijuana becomes legal in more states, it is important to view the trends in use among young adults who possess medical marijuana (MM) cards compared to those who don’t. A recent study observed a sample of 671 young adults who had used marijuana in the past month.
This study followed a cohort of students who began as 6th-7th graders in 2008 until 2017, when the average age of the sample was 19. These students reported demographics, mental health status, medical marijuana card status, marijuana use habits, and any negative experiences due to marijuana use.
The results showed that by age 19, 28% of those surveyed had an MM card and could legally purchase marijuana. Analysis of the data suggested that young adults aged 13-19 who possessed an MM card had higher rates of frequent marijuana use, using 20-30 days out of the month, compared to those without MM cards. Those who had MM cards were also more likely to experience negative consequences as a result of marijuana, to sell marijuana, to drive while high, and to have attempted to cut down or quit use of marijuana.
As more states legalize marijuana, these trends within the young adult population are important to note as those who possessed MM cards were more likely to use marijuana frequently and experience issues due to marijuana use.
Take Away: Young adults aged 13-19 with medical marijuana cards are more likely to use marijuana frequently and to experience negative consequences as a result of marijuana use compared to those without medical marijuana cards.