The legalization of adult-use marijuana has been a topic of intense debate across the United States. Many opponents feared that the legalization of marijuana for adults would lead to a surge in teen usage.
Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other studies have revealed a surprising trend: teen marijuana use has actually declined since states began legalizing adult-use marijuana. This trend holds true in Virginia, where recreational marijuana was legalized, but access to dispensaries remains limited to those with a medical marijuana card.
The Decline in Teen Marijuana Use
Across the country, the trend in teen marijuana use has defied the expectations of those who opposed legalization. According to the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey by the CDC, the percentage of high school students who reported using marijuana within the past month dropped from 23% in 2013 to 17% in 2023. This decline is part of a broader trend observed over the past decade, during which many states, including Virginia, moved to legalize marijuana for adult use.
This national data suggests that fears of increased teen marijuana use following legalization were largely unfounded. In fact, the opposite has occurred, with rates of marijuana use among teens either holding steady or declining in most states that have legalized adult-use marijuana.
Legalization Without Access
Virginia legalized the possession of recreational marijuana in 2021, but unlike other states with legal marijuana, the Commonwealth does not yet have a regulated market for adult-use marijuana sales. As of now, the only way to legally purchase marijuana in Virginia is by obtaining a medical marijuana card. This situation is expected to continue until at least 2027, when recreational dispensaries might open.
There are several theories as to why teen marijuana use has declined since legalization:
Strict Regulation and Control: States that have legalized marijuana for adults have implemented strict regulations that limit access to those under 21. These regulations include rigorous ID checks at dispensaries and severe penalties for selling to minors. This controlled environment may have made it more difficult for teens to obtain marijuana.
Decreased Illicit Market: Legalization has also led to a decrease in the illicit market, which was previously one of the main sources of marijuana for teens. With regulated sales, the black market has shrunk, reducing the avenues through which teens could access marijuana.
Changing Perceptions: The normalization of marijuana use among adults might have led to a shift in perception among teens. As marijuana becomes less of a forbidden substance, its appeal to rebellious youth may diminish. Moreover, educational campaigns about the risks of marijuana use, particularly for developing brains, may have contributed to this decline.
The Importance of Medical Marijuana in Virginia
Although recreational marijuana remains inaccessible to Virginians without a medical marijuana card, the state's medical marijuana program is crucial for those with qualifying conditions. This program isn't just a legal workaround; it's a vital resource for individuals seeking relief from chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, and other medical issues. The most compelling reason to obtain a medical marijuana card in Virginia is the legal access it provides. Without this card, purchasing marijuana in the state is impossible, as recreational dispensaries have yet to open. For those in need of marijuana for therapeutic purposes, the card is essential.
Medical marijuana in Virginia is specifically designed to address particular health conditions. Patients with a medical marijuana card have access to a wider variety of products with higher potency, offering more precise treatment options than what will likely be available for recreational use once dispensaries finally open. Additionally, when recreational sales do begin, medical marijuana will likely remain more cost-effective due to lower taxes on medical products. Regular users who rely on marijuana for their health will find that maintaining a medical marijuana card can save them money over time.
Moreover, having a medical marijuana card means that your usage is monitored by a healthcare professional, ensuring that your treatment plan is tailored to your unique needs. This professional guidance allows for adjustments as your condition evolves, providing you with the best possible care.
Virginia’s Recreational Marijuana Landscape
While Virginia’s legalization of recreational marijuana was a landmark moment, the delay in opening recreational dispensaries has created a unique landscape. The state’s focus on a cautious rollout means that, for now, the medical marijuana program is the only legal means of accessing marijuana. This slow approach contrasts with other states, where recreational dispensaries opened within a few years of legalization.
As Virginia moves toward establishing a regulated recreational marijuana market, the landscape will undoubtedly change. However, the emphasis on medical marijuana is likely to continue, given the specific needs of patients and the benefits of having a regulated medical market.
By 2027, when recreational dispensaries are expected to open, the market will likely see a surge in demand, but medical marijuana will still play a crucial role in providing tailored care for patients. It’s also possible that the ongoing decline in teen marijuana use will continue, given the strict regulations and continued focus on education.
Summary
In Virginia, the decline in teen marijuana use is a promising trend that reflects broader national patterns. The careful regulation of adult-use marijuana, combined with the robust medical marijuana program, has created an environment where access is controlled, and usage among teens has decreased.
For Virginians, obtaining a medical marijuana card is not just about access; it’s about ensuring that you have the right tools to manage your health. As the state continues to develop its recreational marijuana market, the medical marijuana program will remain a cornerstone of marijuana access in Virginia, offering legal, safe, and effective treatment options for those who need it.
Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today
Lucky for you, medical marijuana is already available in Virginia! You can get your medical marijuana card and access dispensaries today if you have a qualifying condition.
Recreational marijuana is legal in Virginia, but it does not mean much since there are no recreational dispensaries to purchase products from.
There are also countless benefits to having your medical card in a recreational state! You will save money on taxes and marijuana products and enjoy higher possession and purchase limits if you have your medical card in Virginia!
In order to qualify for your medical marijuana card, you will need to have a condition that would make you eligible. If you aren’t sure if you would qualify, give us a call and we can answer any questions you may have about the process.
If you don’t already have your card, no worries. We can help! If you think you could benefit from medical marijuana, there is a good chance you would qualify for your medical card in the State of Virginia. With telemedicine, it is now easier than ever to get your medical card from the comfort of your own home!
In Virginia, any inhibiting condition could qualify you for your medical card. If you don’t already have it, we can help! Schedule an evaluation online today and we’ll make an appointment for you with one of our knowledgeable, compassionate doctors.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
At Virginia Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness
safely and conveniently through increased access to MMJ. Our focus on
education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by
providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (888) 633-5808, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
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