Perhaps in part because of the increased potency of marijuana in modern markets, in combination with greater physiological susceptibility to its effects in developmentally immature adolescents, suicide rates are higher among American youth in states with legalized recreational use of marijuana compared to states where marijuana use is still illegal. Trends in suicide rates indicate a particularly significant increase among 14-16 year olds. Additionally, trends in marijuana use among females in states with legalization is beginning to more closely mimic existing trends among their male counterparts. Females in states with legalized recreational marijuana are 16% more likely to complete suicide compared to females in states without legalization.
