NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — Rutgers University just lately performed a examine on marijuana utilization to assist information state coverage.
CBS2’s Meg Baker has extra on what the influence of retail gross sales on youngsters could also be.
Utilization general in New Jersey is decrease than the nationwide common, however a scary statistic reveals youthful individuals are utilizing extra now than ever.
“Marijuana use amongst these 12-17-year-olds is definitely going up, which actually … that resonates when it comes to we have to be extra proactive. If the speed is already going up, what are we going to do now that leisure marijuana is legalized?” stated Charles Menifield, dean of the College of Public Affairs at Rutgers-Newark.
READ MORE: New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission Releases First Set Of Rules For Legal Marijuana Sales
Menifield, the examine’s principal investigator, seemed on the influence of legalization and figuring out disparities amongst completely different communities.
“Each when it comes to public security, schooling, and well being, there’s no query primarily based on our discovering that African-People may very well be disproportionately impacted in a destructive means when hashish retail gross sales really start.”
He stated the probability that stores can be in communities of coloration is excessive. Knowledge signifies that racial variations in class self-discipline may very well be linked to marijuana utilization.
“Black children had been suspended at a charge that was greater than twice that of some other group. Substance abuse was the third-highest purpose for suspensions, proper behind bullying and intimidation,” Menifield stated.
The report is a baseline of the place the state is now, Menifield stated annual analysis is required to attach the dots between the place marijuana utilization is highest, and the way legalization and the potential for elevated utilization will have an effect on these communities, particularly teenagers.
“We’re No. 1 in commencement charges proper now, when it comes to having an excellent one. What we’re saying is it may have an effect on commencement charges as a result of children are getting excessive as an alternative of finding out,” Menifield stated.
He stated a number of focus has been on the income the marijuana enterprise will make for the state. He suggests a share of these funds go into prevention schooling, and extra analysis like this.
The examine additionally checked out well being elements of legalization, similar to suicide charges, and he variety of folks getting into remedy services for marijuana dependancy.
CBS2’s Meg Baker contributed to this report.
