Minors and Online Marijuana Accessibility—Navigating the Digital Backdoors
Access to Marijuana by Minors Via Online Dispensaries: Marijuana is a widely used substance derived from the Cannabis sativa plant that contains the psychoactive compound Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Its growing legalization in the US has expanded the marijuana market, potentially increasing its access by children. According to the National Institute of Health’s 2022 Monitoring the Future survey, 6.3% of 12th graders, 2.1% of 10th graders, and 0.7% of 8th graders reported daily marijuana use over the past 30 days.1 Several studies have shown that underage consumers can buy alcohol, cigarettes, and electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) online, highlighting the ineffective age verification procedures of online vendors.2-5 We examined age verification procedures and potential youth access to online marijuana dispensaries. (Source: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/article-abstract/2809613 )
To the Editor The above study by Terala et al1 on minors’ access to marijuana through online dispensaries emphasizes the concerning ease with which minors are able to obtain marijuana online. Their research offers a detailed depiction of the burgeoning digital marijuana marketplace. It seamlessly connects the industry’s growth to the challenges of regulatory oversight, a problem evident in the expanding medical cannabis sector.2 The authors’ exploration of this matter is commendable, unearthing pressing truths that need attention. The confluence of unregulated online marketplaces and the burgeoning demand for marijuana mirrors a pattern we have seen in other industries.
Much like how online platforms have enabled minors to access e-cigarettes and vaping devices,3 online marijuana dispensaries seem to be headed down a similar perilous trajectory. The statistic that almost 1 in 5 dispensaries use inadequate age-verification processes or require no formal age verification at any stage suggests that profits overshadow potential pitfalls and dangers to minors.
The adaptability of these dispensaries is strikingly evident. Their choice of packaging that attracts minors, such as edibles that resemble candy, and their willingness to accept cryptocurrencies indicate a targeting strategy for younger consumers. The effect is the potential endangerment of young people.
It is essential to note that dispensaries are not the only focus. Immersed in a digital realm, today’s youth present an asymmetric challenge for public health and policy leaders.4 On the one side, we have minors who are adept at navigating the digital world; on the other, an industry too willing to capitalize on this. Beyond system gaps, neurodevelopmental nuances play a role in adolescent behavior.5
Understanding the allure of marijuana for youth is as vital as addressing its accessibility and treatment options. Pinpointing their inclinations can pave the way for impactful prevention methods and policy guidelines. Factors like online accessibility and marketing complement well-understood risk factors, such as adverse experiences, peer pressure, and risk perception.5
In conclusion, this research serves as an alert for tighter regulations and a comprehensive understanding of youth tendencies. As our world becomes ever more digital, we confront both opportunities and obstacles. While advocating for stringent age checks is pivotal, we must also address the root causes that drive minors to these online dispensaries in the first place.
The onus is on us—researchers, policymakers, medical professionals, educators, and parents—to interpret and act on these findings. This extends beyond marijuana access; it delves into the wider context of youth engagement in our digital world.
By Kevin M. Simon, MD, MPH1 JAMA Pediatr. Published online January 16, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.5966 Navigating the Digital Backdoors | JAMA Pediatrics
