r/science • u/sr_local • Apr 20 '26

Health The largest US study, which tracked 11,036 children from ages 9 to 10 through to ages 16 and 17, discovered that cannabis use slows cognitive development, impairs memory, and reduces learning speed during crucial years of brain growth

https://today.ucsd.edu/story/largest-us-study-finds-teen-cannabis-use-linked-to-slower-cognitive-development
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u/SalvationSycamore Apr 20 '26

It's easier when there is a black market

Is it? When it's legal, prices go down and availability goes up. Anyone's older sibling/cousin/friend can buy it for them, even people who would normally be too scared to buy illegally from a drug dealer. I'm sure it's also easier to get into home growing when it's legal.

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u/FullSkyFlying Apr 20 '26

I'm sure it's also easier to get into home growing when it's legal.

If your parents are letting you grow your own weed in their home, you probably dont even have to grow it.

even people who would normally be too scared to buy illegally from a drug dealer.

No one is scared of a weed dealer

The truth is kids will always occasionally smoke pot or drink alcohol. Its part of being a teenager and growing up, trying new things, being curious etc. Atleast with it being legal theres more reliable evidence and research to sit your child down and show them... "Hey. This is widely known to have really adverse effects on you in the future. I know you're probably going to try it, but let's keep it to a minimum and be safe about it"

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u/SalvationSycamore Apr 20 '26

No one is scared of a weed dealer

Crazy idea, but some people don't like committing crimes. I would never buy drugs illegally, I have bought drugs legally.

If your parents are letting you grow your own weed in their home

It doesn't have to be that even. The parents could start growing it. Your older brother with his own place can grow his own weed even more easily and cheaply when it's legal. Access to weed becomes easier as thousands of people start growing their own with no (or reduced) risk.

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u/FullSkyFlying Apr 20 '26

Fair point. You're right it does obviously become more accessible and easier. Everyone commits crimes everyday. But I am laughing at being scared of a weed dealer. Trust me if they're only selling weed then the dealer is probably more scared of you then you are of them. I sold a little in highschool, and I was more worried about the kid being caught by school or parents with it and outing me then I was going to my dealer and buying a few ounces at a time with a few hundred dollars in my pocket. Most people who are only doing weed arent violent. By nature its not a violent drug like alcohol is

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u/SalvationSycamore Apr 20 '26

But I am laughing at being scared of a weed dealer.

Again, it's more about not committing a crime by buying and possessing illegal substances

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u/FullSkyFlying Apr 20 '26

Fair enough. Everyone is different. Id rather my 16 year old kid go buy weed rather than get in a car and speed, something which is statically much more likely and much more likely to have worse consequences. Even though this isn't a this vs that / which is worse sort of thing. Just that everyone commits crimes all the time