Teen Cannabis Use in the U.S. Drops by 20% Over the Last Decade
U.S. teen cannabis use has declined by 20% over the past decade, contradicting fears that legalization would increase youth consumption
Key Points
- 1Teen cannabis use in the U.S. has decreased by 20% over the last decade
- 2The decline coincides with widespread adult cannabis legalization
- 3Data refutes claims that legalization increases teen cannabis consumption
- 424 states have legalized recreational cannabis for adults
- 5Findings may influence future legislative decisions on cannabis policy
The latest data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reveals a significant decline in cannabis use among American teenagers over the past ten years. According to the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), findings from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) show a notable decrease in cannabis consumption among adolescents aged 12 to 17
Contrary to concerns that adult cannabis legalization might lead to increased usage among teens, the data suggests otherwise. The NSDUH reports an 18% drop in the number of adolescents who have ever tried cannabis between 2014 and 2023. Additionally, the percentage of teens who used cannabis in the past year fell by 15%, while current usage rates decreased by 19%
This trend occurs amidst widespread cannabis legalization across the United States, starting with Colorado in 2014. Presently, 24 states have legalized recreational cannabis use for adults aged 21 and over, covering more than half of the U.S. population. Despite fears that these laws might encourage teen usage, the opposite appears to be true
Paul Armentano, deputy director of NORML, emphasized that the data refutes claims that adult-use legalization leads to higher adolescent cannabis consumption. He stated, "These government findings should reassure lawmakers that cannabis can be legally regulated safely and effectively without unintended impacts on youth habits."
The NSDUH results align with other research, such as data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which also indicates a consistent decline in teen cannabis use. This trend challenges the assumption that adult legalization encourages underage consumption, supporting the notion that regulation does not increase youth cannabis use
Looking ahead, the continued decline in teen cannabis use may influence future legislative decisions regarding cannabis policy. As more states consider legalization, these findings could play a crucial role in shaping the debate, demonstrating that responsible regulation might not only maintain but enhance public health outcomes