Study: Cannabis Dispensary Proximity Not Associated With Adolescent Use

Canadian researchers studying the effects of a maturing cannabis market on adolescent cannabis use found that higher proximity to dispensaries does not cause a hike in teenage use.

The study, published in the November edition of Drug and Alcohol Dependence, uses data from the annual COMPASS survey, which assesses self-reported use of cannabis and other drugs by secondary school students in Canada.

The researchers found that associations between adolescent cannabis use and retail access were small and inconsistent. They concluded that policy restricting cannabis retailers around schools “may have limited impact on adolescent behavior.”

The results mirror similar studies conducted in the U.S.

“Regulation and licensed markets work,” NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano said in a report. “Licensed dispensaries ID patrons and they often hire security. This greatly deters access among young people while contributing to the health and safety of the community.”