Over the past couple of decades, many states have
changed laws and policies related to marijuana and
e-cigarettes. In Washington, a large majority of public
high school teens who were surveyed reported not using
marijuana and e-cigarettes in 2014. However, increasing
12th grade use and an expanding retail market suggest
that it is important for communities to support all youth
to not use these products at a time when the law is new
and may be confusing.
This publication will share information about marijuana
and e-cigarette laws in Washington state, including that it
is illegal for those who are under 21 years old to use retail
marijuana. This special edition will also cover health effects
of marijuana use by youth, potential consequences, media
influences and other important information. It will also
address e-cigarettes.
In Washington
state, voters passed
initiative 692 to
permit “medicinal
use” of marijuana.
In November, Washington
state voters passed
Initiative 502, which
included licensing and
regulating marijuana
production, distribution
and possession; removed
state-law criminal
and civil penalties for
adults; added taxes for
marijuana sales; and
earmarked marijuana-
related revenues.
A new law passed
the Washington
State Legislature
that makes changes
in the regulation
of e-cigarettes and
vapor products.
1998 2012 2014
MARIJUANA
AND E-CIGARETTES:
Facts teens can use to make healthy choices
Department of
Community and Human
Services Behavioral
Health and Recovery
2016
According to the 2014
Washington State Healthy Youth
Survey, four out of five 10th grade
students surveyed in Washington
state public schools reported that
they did not not use marijuana
in the past 30 days. However,
overall, a quarter of high school
students surveyed reported using
marijuana in the past 30 days, and
12th grade use is increasing. Peers
can help each other, in getting
support to be true to oneself and
rise above the influence of drugs.
