While the current study showed relatively consistent differences between Colorado and other states without medical marijuana laws on measures of marijuana attitudes and use-related-outcomes, results in some measures indicate the differences are widening in more recent years, especially since 2009. Those include risk perception, and trend for differences in changes in availability and abuse/dependence in some age groups, even after controlling for demographic differences. Data taken together provide suggestive evidence of diverging changes in marijuana risk perception and some use practices specific to Colorado in 2009 and after. Even though causality cannot be established, Colorado would be wise to implement prevention efforts regarding marijuana and make treatment for those with marijuana use disorders more broadly available in the state.
