New marijuana study in New Jersey

Meg Baker

Thu, February 17, 2022,

NEWARK, N.J. -- Rutgers University recently conducted a study on marijuana usage to help guide state policy.

CBS2's Meg Baker has more on the possible impact of pot retail sales on children.

Usage overall in New Jersey is lower than the nationwide average, but a scary statistic shows younger people are using more now than ever.

"Marijuana use among those 12-17-year-olds is actually going up, which really ... that resonates in terms of we need to be more proactive. If the rate is already going up, what are we going to do now that recreational marijuana is legalized?" said Charles Menifield, dean of the School of Public Affairs at Rutgers-Newark.

Menifield, the study's principal investigator, looked at the impact of legalization and identifying disparities among different communities.

"Both in terms of public safety, education, and health, there's no question based on our finding that African-Americans could be disproportionately impacted in a negative way when cannabis retail sales actually begin."

He said the likelihood that retail outlets will be in communities of color is high. Data indicates that racial differences in school discipline could be linked to marijuana usage.

"Black kids were suspended at a rate that was more than twice that of any other group. Substance abuse was the third-highest reason for suspensions, right behind bullying and intimidation," Menifield said.

The report is a baseline of where the state is now, Menifield said annual research is needed to connect the dots between where marijuana usage is highest, and how legalization and the potential for increased usage will affect those communities, especially teens.

"We are No. 1 in graduation rates right now, in terms of having a good one. What we're saying is it could affect graduation rates because kids are getting high instead of studying," Menifield said.

He said a lot of focus has been on the revenue the marijuana business will make for the state. He suggests a percentage of those funds go into prevention education, and more research like this.

The study also looked at health factors of legalization, such as suicide rates, and he number of people entering treatment facilities for marijuana addiction.