At first glance, the terms “cannabis”, “CBD” and “youth protection” hardly seem to be compatible with each other. Particularly in political debates, it is often emphasized that legalization would facilitate access for young people. However, a look at international studies – particularly from the USA and Canada – reveals a surprisingly different picture.
Modern legalization approaches do not rely on bans, but on control and education. Regulated dispensing by licensed bodies often goes hand in hand with educational measures that specifically inform young people about risks and consumer behavior. And that works: In many regions where cannabis has been legalized, consumption among young people has actually declined.
The often expressed fear that more freedom automatically leads to more consumption – especially among young people – is therefore not supported by reality. Instead, current findings show that transparent rules and education contribute more effectively to the protection of minors than pure prohibitions.
Youth consumption declining despite CBD legalization – what studies really show regarding youth protection
International studies show that cannabis and the protection of minors are not mutually exclusive. The study reports even show the opposite, as controlled distribution significantly reduces access for minors. This comprehensive study with a total of 88,183 respondents from grades 9 to 12 was published by Florida Atlantic University in the journal Pediatric Reports and analyzed the development of cannabis use among US adolescents between 2011 and 2021. It was based on the national Youth Risk Behavior Survey(Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) | Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) | CDC)
📄 Access to the study
The results are clear
- Current consumption (within the last 30 days): Decrease from 23.1% in 2011, to 15.8% in 2021.
- First use before the age of 13: decrease from 8.1% to 4.9%.
- Lifetime prevalence (means used cannabis at least once in their lifetime): Decrease from 39.9% in 2011 to 27.8% in 2021.
What is particularly striking is that the differences between the sexes have also shifted over the years. While more boys than girls were still using in 2011, the ratio had reversed by 2021 – 17.8% of girls compared to 13.6% of boys.
A similar trend can also be seen in Canada when it comes to cannabis:
Canada, which legalized cannabis nationwide in 2018, has also observed a decline in consumption among young people since then. A study published in the journal Archives of Public Health examined the influence of legalization on access and consumption behaviour among young people.
Youth perception of difficulty accessing cannabis following cannabis legalization and during the early and ongoing stages of the COVID-19 pandemic: repeat cross-sectional and longitudinal data from the COMPASS study | Archives of Public Health | Full Text
The results:
- In the 2018/19 school year, 12.7% of young people still used cannabis regularly.
- In the 2020/21 school year, the proportion was only 7.5% – a decrease of over 40%.
The authors attribute this decline to, among other things, strictly regulated sales outlets, age controls and educational campaigns that went hand in hand with cannabis legalization and sound youth protection.
Parents as role models when it comes to cannabis and CBD – responsibility starts at home
When parents talk objectively about the effects of CBD, this promotes responsible use. The family environment also plays a decisive role in cannabis, CBD and youth protection in the consumption behavior of one’s own children. A study by Washington State University, published in the Journal of Child and Family Studies, shows that young people who believe their parents use cannabis are more likely to develop a positive attitude towards the drug and are more willing to try it themselves.
Parents & Cannabis: Adolescents’ Reports of Parent-Related Factors Associated with Their Attitudes About and Intentions to Use Cannabis | Request PDF
“Parents & Cannabis: Adolescents’ Reports of Parent-Related Factors Associated with Their Attitudes About and Intentions to Use Cannabis“Reddit+2ResearchGate+2ScienceDaily+2
Perceptions of parent cannabis use shape teen attitudes | ScienceDaily
The study examined 276 adolescents aged 13 to 17 and found that 32% of adolescents believed their fathers used cannabis, while 25% believed their mothers did. These perceptions were strongly associated with a more positive attitude towards cannabis and an increased willingness to use it.
Interestingly, the study showed that proximity to parents had different effects depending on gender. Adolescents who had a close relationship with mothers who used cannabis showed a more positive attitude and a greater willingness to use. In the case of fathers, closeness was associated with a more positive attitude towards cannabis, regardless of actual use.
The researchers emphasize that open and honest conversations about cannabis, combined with consistent monitoring, can help reduce the likelihood that adolescents will view the substance positively or intend to use it.
Psychosis caused by cannabis? Science differentiates
A frequently cited argument by opponents of legalization is: “Cannabis ruins the adolescent brain.” In fact, studies show that high THC consumption during puberty can increase the risk of psychosis, especially if there is a genetic predisposition. However, it is worth making a clear distinction here – especially between THC and CBD.
In contrast to THC, which has a psychoactive effect and poses neurological risks in high doses, scientific circles attribute a more balancing, protective effect to CBD. A recent study from Canada, published under the title “Synaptic Density in Early Stages of Psychosis and Clinical High Risk” in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, provides new insights into this.
The study showed reduced synaptic density – a neurological marker associated with an increased risk of psychosis – in young frequent users with high THC use. Crucially, these effects occurred primarily with uncontrolled consumption, as is common on black markets.
Conclusion: The risks do not lie in the hemp plant itself, but in the uncontrolled access to high doses of THC. This is exactly where legalization and education come in. Products with CBD effects, such as legal CBD oils or CBD tea, contain less than 1% THC and are considered safe – especially if they are strictly controlled, as is the case in Switzerland.
Study source: JAMA Network – Synaptic Density and Psychosis Risk
However, these risks exist above all in uncontrolled consumption – precisely the scenario that is created by a black market. Legalization with age limits and education, on the other hand, enables targeted prevention, early detection and real responsibility in dealing with cannabinoids.
Early prevention programs combine medical education about cannabis and youth protection with neurological findings from research.
CBD and cannabis products in Switzerland: safe, legal, effective
While many countries are still struggling with cannabis, Switzerland has long since gone its own way with CBD. Cannabidiol has been legal since 2017 – as long as the THC content is below 1%.
Products such as CBD flowers, oils or CBD tea are booming – especially in cities like Bern, where specialist stores and online stores like ours offer safe and high quality in and around the topic of CBD, as well as educational work such as these blogs and personal consultations in specialist stores. The clear separation between THC and CBD, as well as the application of youth protection regulations with ID checks, protects consumers and creates transparency in the market.
Clear separation of THC and CBD; what this means when implemented:
Protection for CBD consumers:
- Legal certainty: Consumers know that CBD products with less than 1% THC are legal and non-psychoactive.
- Health protection: Consumers are not unintentionally exposed to the intoxicating active ingredient THC, for example through falsely declared products.
- Avoidance of side effects: People who specifically rely on the calming or pain-relieving effects of CBD need not fear any psychotropic effects.
Transparency on the market:
- Consistent product standards: Manufacturers must clearly declare how much THC and CBD is contained.
- Trust in the industry: The legally regulated separation (e.g. THC < 1 %) creates a reputable market – in contrast to gray areas or black market offers.
- Information is made easier: consumers can inform themselves better and make more targeted decisions.
Conclusion on CBD cannabis and youth protection: A new cannabis policy needs knowledge about cannabis, its CBD and established youth protection; instead of prejudices
The scientific evidence is clear: countries such as the USA, Canada and Switzerland show that controlled access to cannabis – combined with age limits, education and regulation – does not lead to more, but to less consumption among young people. The argument that legalization endangers young people does not stand up to reality – on the contrary: bans create black markets, not safety.
Anyone who relies on scientific data will recognize that cannabis and the protection of minors are more compatible through legalization than through prohibition.
At the same time, it is becoming increasingly clear that parents, role models and an open approach to the topic are crucial. Studies show how strongly family communication and the behavior of adults can influence how young people deal with cannabis.
Differentiation is also required at a neurological level: although there are indications of risks associated with uncontrolled THC use in adolescence, this is precisely why a regulated market is needed – with clear warnings for THC or CBD, protection for young people and early intervention instead of repression and prohibition.
And finally, the legal CBD market, especially in Switzerland, offers a model for safe, non-intoxicating hemp products. Products such as CBD flowers, oils or CBD tea have a relaxing, anti-inflammatory and sleep-inducing effect, without intoxication or addictive potential. They enable a gentle, responsible approach to the hemp plant, beyond myths and stigmatization.
“What we need is not CBD or cannabis hysteria, but a cannabis policy with a sense of proportion and controlled protection of minors – well-founded, honest and in the service of public health.”
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📚 Studies at a glance: