Impact of Cannabis Legalization on Young Adults

On July 1st, Maryland joins a number of other states where recreational use of cannabis becomes legal. The State law pertaining to cannabis use in the Maryland will be changing. Some existing medical marijuana dispensaries have received approval from the State to convert to sell marijuana recreationally beginning on Saturday. The impact of cannabis legalization on young adults in various states has been the subject of ongoing research. While the specific findings may vary depending on the state and the methodology of the studies, here are some key research findings based on research conducted by various organizations and Islamic Leadership Institute of America's Youth Crisis Line data:

Cannabis Use Rates: Several studies have examined changes in cannabis use rates among young adults following legalization. One study published in JAMA Pediatrics in 2018 analyzed data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health and found that cannabis use among young adults (18-22 years) increased in states that legalized recreational cannabis compared to states that did not.
Perception of Risk: Research has shown that the perception of risk associated with cannabis use among young adults has declined in states where cannabis has been legalized. A study published in the American Journal of Public Health in 2017 found that young adults in states with legal recreational cannabis had lower perceived risks associated with cannabis use compared to those in non-legal states.
Cannabis-Related Disorders: Studies have explored the impact of legalization on cannabis-related disorders among young adults. A study published in JAMA Psychiatry in 2019 found that states with legalized recreational cannabis had higher rates of cannabis use disorder among young adults compared to states without legalization.

Infographic courtesy of Montgomery County, Maryland

Traffic Safety: The impact of cannabis legalization on traffic safety has also been examined. A study published in the American Journal of Public Health in 2017 found an association between recreational cannabis legalization and increased rates of traffic fatalities involving young adults.
Educational Outcomes: Research has investigated the impact of cannabis legalization on educational outcomes among young adults. A study published in the Review of Economic Studies in 2018 examined the effects of cannabis legalization on college enrollment and found a decline in college enrollment rates among young adults in states that legalized recreational cannabis.
Mental Health: Some studies have explored the relationship between cannabis legalization and mental health outcomes among young adults. A study published in JAMA Network Open in 2021 found an increase in depression and suicidal ideation among young adults in states that legalized recreational cannabis.
Perception of Acceptance: Cannabis legalization may contribute to a shift in societal attitudes towards cannabis use, potentially influencing the perception of acceptability among Muslim youth. This change in perception may vary based on individual values, religious beliefs, and cultural backgrounds.
Religious and Cultural Identity Stress: Muslim youth have specific religious and cultural considerations regarding substance use. Cannabis use conflicts with Islamic principles of sobriety, self-discipline, and the avoidance of intoxicants. The impact of legalization on Muslim youth may involve navigating these religious and cultural values in relation to the changing legal landscape, creating identity crises, mental stress, sense of guilt and other identity pressures.
Peer Influence and Social Dynamics: Peer influence plays a significant role in shaping youth behavior. Cannabis legalization may impact the social dynamics among Muslim young adults, including exposure to peers who use or have positive attitudes towards cannabis. This influence can potentially affect attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors related to cannabis use among Muslim youth.
College Graduations & Job Stability: Youth Crisis Line stabilization experiences have shown that college studies who regularly consume cannabis have a much higher rate of unsuccessful completion of higher education or vocational training, and have higher rates of being terminated from employment within six-months of joining a job.

It is important to note that research on the impact of cannabis legalization on young adults is ongoing, and findings may vary across diverse demographics and localities. Additionally, the complex interplay of various factors makes it challenging to draw definitive conclusions. Further research is needed to better understand the long-term effects and potential mitigating factors associated with cannabis legalization on young adults.

Ayman Nassar, M.Sc, PMP, ACP

Founder of Islamic Leadership Institute of America (ILIA), and Youth Crisis Line, with over 30+ years of experience youth and leadership development and business transformation and project portfolio management. He holds a Masters degree in Electrical Engineering and a second Masters degree in Engineering Management & Systems Engineer and several leadership & management certificates. As Chief, Research, Academics and Programs at Islamic Leadership Institute of America he oversees ILIA's youth development value streams and solutions provided by the organization including curriculum development, course design, delivery and programs impact.

Islamic Leadership Institute of America

Islamic Leadership Institute of America (ILIA) is a 501c(3) youth development and leadership education nonprofit organization serving youth and youth organizations across America, based on Islamic principles and values. The organization's mission is to inspire and develop youth to become responsible leaders of the future taking accountability for the needs of their communities; through experiential learning programs, their own self-identified projects, and making meaningful impacts to society. Since inception the organization has provided educational services to over 5000+ youth and 100+ organizations, including schools, detention centers, community centers and Masjids. Learn more at www.islamicleadership.org