Cannabis decriminalization and the age of onset of cannabis use

Background In the Czech Republic in 2010 a law was introduced decriminalizing personal possession of small quantities of several illicit drugs, including cannabis.
Methods We use 2012 survey data to examine the effect of a change in cannabis policy on the age of onset of cannabis use. We estimate the effect of the policy change using a mixed proportional hazards framework that models the transition to first cannabis use. Results The change in cannabis policy did not affect the transition to first cannabis use.
Conclusion We find no evidence of cannabis decriminalization affecting the age of onset of cannabis use.