For the Culture By The Culture. ISSN: 3064-9331.
Cannabis Lies Vol. 11 dismantles the claim that adult-use legalization created a runaway teen cannabis crisis. Federal and state data show a more complicated reality: youth use has not exploded, but prevention still matters, especially around vaping, high THC products, mental health, and vulnerable teens.
For decades, politicians have claimed marijuana is a gateway to heroin and harder drugs. Federal youth surveys, NSDUH data, and NIDA’s own language tell a different story. Cannabis use is widespread, hard drug use remains rare, and most users do not progress. The data dismantles one of prohibition’s most durable fear narratives.