Study finds cannabis ads, store location influence youth marijuana use

Updated:5 years ago

New Delhi, Oct 09 (ANI): Advertising and location of cannabis retailers influence adolescents' intentions to use marijuana, according to a new study. The new study led by Washington State University researchers was published in the Journal of Health Communication. Stacey JT Hust, associate dean in the Murrow College of Communication, and Jessica Fitts Willoughby, associate professor of communication, conducted a survey of 13- to 17- year-old in Washington to find out how marijuana advertising and the location of marijuana retailers influence adolescents' intentions to use the drug. The researchers also asked participants about their outcome beliefs--whether or not they thought using marijuana would be good for them personally and or socially.Their research shows regular exposure to marijuana advertising on storefronts, billboards, retailer websites and other locations increased the likelihood of adolescents using marijuana."While there are restrictions against using advertising designed specifically to target youth, it does still appear to be having some influence," Willoughby said. "Our research suggests a need to equip adolescents with the knowledge and skills to critically evaluate marijuana advertisements."

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