Risk factors for adolescent cannabis use following partial cannabis legalization in Germany: a cross-sectional study in secondary schools

Background

Following Germany's partial cannabis legalization in April 2024, evidence on adolescent cannabis use risk factors is needed. Social media platforms represent understudied risk environments, and the comparative predictive value of risk perception versus prevention remains unclear. This study aimed to examine determinants of adolescent cannabis use in Germany, including platform-specific social media effects, nicotine advertising exposure, parental smoking, socioeconomic factors, and risk perception.