What Do We Know Now About the Impact of the Laws Related to Marijuana?

Objectives: This study presents information on the status and impact of medical and legalized marijuana, and the latest data on attitudes and prevalence of use since implementation of these laws. Recent reports from epidemiologists in Denver and Seattle are summarized to give the readers a sense of the changes as these laws have taken effect in their communities.

Methods: The status of these laws is reviewed and the results of surveys taken before and after the laws were enacted are presented, along with data on changing potency and driving under the influence of marijuana.

Public Health Effects of Medical Marijuana Legalization in Colorado.

Introduction: The public health consequences of the legalization of marijuana, whether for medical or recreational purposes, are little understood. Despite this, numerous states are considering medical or recreational legalization. In the context of abrupt changes in marijuana policy in 2009 in Colorado, the authors sought to investigate corresponding changes in marijuana-related public health indicators.

Club drug use among youths in treatment for substance abuse.

We describe lifetime rates of club drug use among 782 youths in treatment for substance abuse. Rates (%) for youths under eighteen (N = 486) were methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), 32.3; gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), 7.