Cannabis decriminalization and the age of onset of cannabis use
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2017 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | International Journal of Drug Policy |
| Citation | |
| Doi | http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.02.014 |
| Keywords | Cannabis; Decriminalization; Age of onset |
| Description | Background: In the Czech Republic in 2010 a law was introduced decriminalizing personal possession of small quantities of several illicit drugs, including cannabis. Methods: We use 2012 survey data to examine the effect of a change in cannabis policy on the age of onset of cannabis use. We estimate the effect of the policy change using a mixed proportional hazards framework that models the transition to first cannabis use. Results: The change in cannabis policy did not affect the transition to first cannabis use. Conclusion: We find no evidence of cannabis decriminalization affecting the age of onset of cannabis use. |