Federal Data Shows Teen Marijuana Use Continues to Decline Despite Legalization

Recent federal data reveals that teen marijuana use is declining, contradicting the long-held belief that legalization would lead to increased usage among adolescents. According to a federally funded survey conducted by the University of Michigan, marijuana consumption among teens has reached historic lows, even as more states legalize cannabis for adult use

The Monitoring the Future survey, a significant federal study funded by the National Institutes of Health, has documented a steady decrease in marijuana use among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders since 2012. This period coincides with the rise of state-regulated adult-use cannabis markets. Notably, past-month use among teens has decreased by 25% to 45%, depending on the grade level, showcasing a sustained downward trend

Nora D. Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, acknowledged the positive trend, emphasizing the importance of continued monitoring. Meanwhile, NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano highlighted that the data undermines sensational claims linking legalization to increased teen use, reassuring lawmakers about the safety and effectiveness of regulated cannabis access

The survey's findings align with research from reputable journals like JAMA Psychiatry, which also report no causal link between legalization and increased youth marijuana use. Moreover, the data reflects a broader decline in substance use among teens, with alcohol, nicotine, and other illicit drug use at historic lows. This trend, partly attributed to pandemic-related changes in social behavior, suggests that legalization has not disrupted the overall decline in substance use