Cannabis decriminalization and the age of onset of cannabis use

Abstract

Background: In the Czech Republic in 2010 a law was introduced decriminalizing personal possession of small quantities of several illicit drugs, including cannabis.

Methods: We use 2012 survey data to examine the effect of a change in cannabis policy on the age of onset of cannabis use. We estimate the effect of the policy change using a mixed proportional hazards framework that models the transition to first cannabis use.

Results: The change in cannabis policy did not affect the transition to first cannabis use.

Conclusion: We find no evidence of cannabis decriminalization affecting the age of onset of cannabis use.

Keywords: Age of onset; Cannabis; Decriminalization.