Changes in THC Positivity Rates in Adolescents Corresponding to Legalization of Recreational Marijuana in Illinois

The authors aimed to determine whether the legalization of recreational marijuana in Illinois in 2020 led to an increase in THC positivity rates among adolescents presenting to the emergency department, as well as any changes in co-ingestion rates of other substances. Their retrospective cohort study found no significant increase in THC-positive urine drug screens or co-ingestion rates in pediatric patients post-legalization compared to pre-legalization data. These results suggest that legalization did not impact the incidence of THC use in this population, providing insights for healthcare planning and policy considerations.