Population-level predictions from cannabis risk perceptions to active cannabis use prevalence in the United States, 1991-2014

This within-cohort across-grade population-level prediction prompts questions for drug prevention specialists, including “Would a relatively small upward shift in a local area population's appraisal of risk perceptions be followed, two years later, by reduced population prevalence of cannabis use?” Future randomized trial designs, health education, or prevention efforts focused on altering early adolescent cannabis risk perceptions might provide the most convincing and definitive evidence.