To the Editor:

As a member of the Cannabis Task Force, as well as a former undergraduate and current graduate student at Princeton University, I strive to represent student opinions and highlight voices historically left out of drug policy conversations and considerations. I have spent time with the Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Drug Policy Alliance, Students for Sensible Drug Policy, and Cannabis Advisory Group. My intention is not to rally for or against cannabis dispensaries in Princeton — my intention is to ensure that community members are informed and that we recognize how our policy decisions today necessarily impact historical and present injustices.

In recent months, there has been considerable concern regarding the harm of cannabis dispensaries to children. This concern should not be minimized, but it should be contextualized with information — not with fear.

A report in the Journal of Adolescent Health (Coley et al., 2021) recognizes that adolescents are uniquely susceptible to negative repercussions of marijuana use but concludes that there is no evidence of a correlation between legal adult-use markets and teen cannabis use. The American Medical Association (2021) concluded the same. A report in JAMA Pediatrics (Anderson et al., 2019) confirmed various prior research studies finding no evidence that legalization encourages marijuana use among youth. In fact, this report aligns with a separate report in JAMA Pediatrics (Dilley et al., 2019) which concludes that marijuana use among youth likely declines as licensed dispensaries — which require proof of age — make it more difficult for teenagers to obtain marijuana. Other reports confirm that product is not diverted to the underage market (Buller et al., 2016; Fell et al. 2021; Pettinger 2017; Shi and Pacula, 2021).

I readily acknowledge that there are reports which counter these conclusions, as other residents have rightfully cited. Findings are mixed, which means there is an individual and community responsibility to respond to risks of cannabis use as legalization unavoidably sweeps across the nation.

If you are concerned that your children will begin using marijuana at an unprecedented rate, then educate your children about the dangers of adolescent marijuana use — as we do for alcohol.

If you are concerned that your children will be interested in marijuana after seeing a cannabis dispensary, then educate your children about the potential negative effects of marijuana use — as we do for alcohol and liquor stores.

If you are concerned that your children will increase their marijuana use due to the availability of marijuana in households, then educate your children about staying away from substances in the household — as we do for alcohol.

If you are concerned that your children will view marijuana use as acceptable while you view marijuana use as unacceptable, then educate your children about your perspective, but understand that perspectives are changing as we reckon with punitive drug policies of the past.

Drinking alcohol is a choice. Using marijuana is a choice.  

And, regardless of whether there are cannabis dispensaries in Princeton, informing your children is a choice.

Mikaylah Ladue
Washington, D.C.

Note: The writer is currently on a University fellowship, but will be returning to campus.