Adolescents view cannabis as safer than alcohol, vaping and cigarettes
Teens in California consistently see cannabis as less harmful than alcohol, vaping, and cigarettes, a trend that persists despite public health concerns.Summary
A new study analyzing data from over 175,000 California students reveals that adolescents consistently perceive cannabis as less harmful than alcohol, nicotine vapes, and cigarettes. This perception of lower risk remained stable between surveys conducted in 2019–2020 and 2024. The study also found that perceptions of cannabis risk declined as students aged, with older teens and those who had used substances viewing cannabis as less harmful. Peer influence was a significant factor, as adolescents with more friends who used substances rated those substances as less harmful. These findings highlight a potential public health concern, as lower perceived risk is often associated with higher likelihood of use. Researchers suggest that prevention and education efforts may need to better address cannabis-specific risks.
(Source：Medical News)
