One of the biggest decisions by New York State lawmakers recently has been to decriminalize marijuana and legalize adult use. For the municipalities that have decided to opt-in there will be “future” legal cannabis dispensaries sprinkled throughout our county. While we might be seeing evidence of these dispensaries popping up now, the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has issued a statement that these locations throughout the state are not acting within the law. In fact, there have been a few locations that have already been issued warning letters by the OCM (2WGRZ, Feb. 9, 2022). While New York State continues to develop details surrounding the Marijuana Regulations and Taxation Act, it is important to understand that no licenses have been issued yet for dispensaries to operate within the limits of the law. In fact, it is likely that it will be another 12-18 months before such licenses will be distributed.
Why is the important to Healthy Cattaraugus County: drug free coalition?
First, it is important to point out that these illegal pop-up dispensaries are not being regulated. That means that there is no control over the safety of these products that are often being “gifted” through a purchase of another item such as a sticker, shirt, or even a snack. This puts our youth then at a greater risk for obtaining marijuana. The law is very clear, the sale of or providing cannabis to anyone under 21 is illegal and anyone who does, is subject to repercussions under the law. The brain is not fully developed until about age 25 and marijuana use in adolescence has been known to adversely impact cognitive development and mental health in youth (Knopf, 2018).
In states where adult-use has been legalized it has also been found that products such as edibles have been difficult to regulate and often the packaging contains inaccurate information regarding THC content and dosage (Knopf, 2018). As some states have experienced an increase in youth overdosing on these edibles, it led to imposing strict regulations in order to help reduce the appeal to this population (Knopf, 2018). We also know that over the past several years vaping has been on the rise among youth (Knopf, 2018). In fact, in a recent survey of the Cattaraugus County Prevention Needs Assessment (2019) there was a 7.9% overall increase in the number of students in grades 6-12 who reported using an e-cigarette, vape, e-hookah, etc. in the Past 30-Days. As this chart shows, every grade saw a significant increase in use.
Why is the important to Healthy Cattaraugus County: drug free coalition?
First, it is important to point out that these illegal pop-up dispensaries are not being regulated. That means that there is no control over the safety of these products that are often being “gifted” through a purchase of another item such as a sticker, shirt, or even a snack. This puts our youth then at a greater risk for obtaining marijuana. The law is very clear, the sale of or providing cannabis to anyone under 21 is illegal and anyone who does, is subject to repercussions under the law. The brain is not fully developed until about age 25 and marijuana use in adolescence has been known to adversely impact cognitive development and mental health in youth (Knopf, 2018).
In states where adult-use has been legalized it has also been found that products such as edibles have been difficult to regulate and often the packaging contains inaccurate information regarding THC content and dosage (Knopf, 2018). As some states have experienced an increase in youth overdosing on these edibles, it led to imposing strict regulations in order to help reduce the appeal to this population (Knopf, 2018). We also know that over the past several years vaping has been on the rise among youth (Knopf, 2018). In fact, in a recent survey of the Cattaraugus County Prevention Needs Assessment (2019) there was a 7.9% overall increase in the number of students in grades 6-12 who reported using an e-cigarette, vape, e-hookah, etc. in the Past 30-Days. As this chart shows, every grade saw a significant increase in use.
Past research has shown the popularity of vapes among teens and that it is more likely they will use the devices for cannabis as compared to adults (Knopf, 2018). One survey was conducted among 2,630 Facebook users between the ages of 14 to 18 who admitted cannabis use (Knopf, 2018). The study found that youth were more likely to vape or consume cannabis edibles the longer dispensaries were available in their area (Knopf, 2018). In Cattaraugus County, youth have reported that their average age of onset for use of marijuana is 14 years old (Prevention Needs Assessment, 2019). This is important information to consider as the laws are continuing to be developed surrounding the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act in terms of outlet density (how many dispensaries are allowed within a certain area and restrictions on location (such as a specified amount of feet away from schools, playgrounds etc.). Packaging of products that do not appeal to children (such as those that look like popular candies) and restrictions on advertising are all important factors that must be considered in the future to help protect local youth.
References:
Bach Harrison, Cattaraugus County Prevention Needs Assessment Survey (2019)
Knopf, A. (2018). Teen cannabis vaping and edible use increased in high-density dispensary states. The Brown University Child and
and Adolescent Behavior Letter, 34(12), 3-4. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbl.30342
References:
Bach Harrison, Cattaraugus County Prevention Needs Assessment Survey (2019)
Knopf, A. (2018). Teen cannabis vaping and edible use increased in high-density dispensary states. The Brown University Child and
and Adolescent Behavior Letter, 34(12), 3-4. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbl.30342
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