Perspectives on the Further Legalization of Cannabis

Abstract

This thematic issue presents multiple perspectives on the timely topic of further cannabis legalization, including adult recreational use. Balanced consideration was sought for arguments favoring and against further cannabis legalization and regulation to inform clinicians taking care of children, adolescents, and emerging adults (CAEA) in their clinical practice, as well as advocates and policymakers seeking a concise, informative overview, including political issues in their deliberations. By April 2021, thirty-six states legalized marijuana for medical use, now eighteen of that number for adult recreational use (though one is being challenged in court (Margolies 2021), and two where cannabis use is illegal. The United States’ (USA) federal government is expected to again consider legalization at the national level. Four countries have legalized adult use, others have decriminalized cannabis possession, while other forms of legalized possession and use exist in portions of other countries. The literature in this area, including research and policy-related foci, is burgeoning, and this issue is expected to assist clinicians and others to better understand the issues.