After Oregon legalized recreational marijuana, middle school substance-related discipline referrals increased by 30% compared to schools in non-legal states, with proximity to a marijuana outlet amplifying the effect.
People interested in how cannabis legalization affects adolescent behavior, particularly in school settings.
30% increase in middle school substance offenses post-legalization
What the researchers found
Substance use-related office discipline referrals in Oregon middle schools increased by 0.14 per 100 students (30% of the mean) after legalization, relative to comparison schools in other states. The increase was moderated by having a marijuana outlet within one mile of the school. No statistically significant changes were found in high schools.
Why it matters
While many studies have found no overall increase in teen cannabis use after legalization, this study uses a behavioral measure (school discipline referrals) rather than self-report surveys, potentially capturing a different dimension of the impact on youth.
The numbers in context
Middle school ODRs increased by 0.14 per 100 students (30% of mean). Effect moderated by dispensary within 1 mile. No significant change in high school ODRs.
How the study worked
Quasi-experimental design comparing substance use discipline referral rates in Oregon middle and high schools before and after recreational marijuana legalization, using schools in non-legal states as comparison. Geographic analysis assessed the moderating effect of dispensary proximity.
What this study cannot tell us
Discipline referrals reflect administrative decisions, not just student behavior. Cannot distinguish cannabis-specific offenses from other substances. Comparison schools in other states may differ in unmeasured ways. Oregon-specific findings may not generalize.
How to read the evidence
Quasi-experimental design with comparison schools and geographic analysis. Uses administrative data rather than self-report, which is both a strength (objective) and limitation (reflects policy, not just behavior).
When this study was published
Published in 2024 in Health Economics.
The bigger picture
The finding that middle schools (not high schools) showed the effect is noteworthy. Younger adolescents may be more influenced by normalization of cannabis use in their environment, particularly when retail outlets are nearby.
Questions still open
- Why were middle schools affected but not high schools? Would buffer zones around schools reduce the dispensary proximity effect? Do discipline referrals correspond to actual increases in cannabis use among middle schoolers?
Common questions
Did legalization increase teen cannabis use in schools?
Does having a dispensary near a school matter?
Read the original research
Legalization and retail availability of recreational marijuana and adolescent use in schools.
Health economics, 33(1), 107-120
Citation
Cil, Gulcan; Winters, Ken C; Austin, Sean C; Kittelman, Angus; Smolkowski, Keith; Westling, Erika; Seeley, John R. (2024). Legalization and retail availability of recreational marijuana and adolescent use in schools.. Health economics, 33(1), 107-120. https://doi.org/10.1002/hec.4763
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