As states increasingly legalize marijuana, they should ensure that the laws and regulations governing that legalization make protecting young people a priority.

Protecting youth amid marijuana legalization is important because:

• Marijuana use poses significant risks to the health and safety of youth; and
• Legalization and commercialization pose added and unique risks to youth.

This fact sheet:

1. Explains the risks of marijuana use and legalization to youth and provides the most recent research evidence on those risks.
2. Outlines the critical role governments have in protecting youth.
3. Lists recommended research-based provisions to protect youth in legalization laws and regulations.

It can help policymakers and advocates understand both why and how to protect youth from the consequences of legalization, providing key, current research and recommendations.

For more information about the recommended youth protection provisions, please see Youth Protection Provisions Within Marijuana Legalization Laws and Youth Protection Provisions Within Marijuana Legalization Laws: State Reports.