Teen Cannabis Use Declines in the U.S. Despite Legalization
CDC data shows a decline in teen cannabis use in the U.S., even as more states legalize the drug, contradicting concerns of increased youth consumption
Key Points
- 1CDC data reveals a decline in teen cannabis use despite legalization
- 2In 2021, 15.8% of high school students reported recent cannabis use
- 3Public health campaigns and COVID-19 are factors in the decline
- 4Studies show legalization does not increase youth cannabis use
- 5Experts call for evidence-based programs to sustain this trend
Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revealed a significant decline in cannabis use among American teenagers, even as more states move toward legalization. This trend contradicts concerns that legalizing cannabis would lead to increased usage among youth. The CDC's Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which tracks substance use among high school students, shows a marked decrease in cannabis consumption over the past decade
The survey highlighted that in 2021, only 15.8% of high school students reported using cannabis in the last 30 days, a drop from 21.7% in 2009 and 23.4% in 2013. The decline began after the first states legalized cannabis in 2012, with regulated sales commencing in 2014. This data suggests that legalization has not led to an uptick in use among teenagers, contrary to the concerns of many policymakers and parents
Experts attribute this decrease to various factors, including effective public health campaigns and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in social isolation and limited access to substances. The CDC report emphasizes the importance of continuing to monitor youth substance use in the context of evolving drug markets and societal changes. "Substance use among youth has decreased over the last decade, including during the COVID-19 pandemic," the report states
Additional studies support these findings, indicating that state-level legalization does not correlate with increased cannabis use among adolescents. Research funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse found no significant difference in cannabis use among youth who grew up in legalized states compared to those who did not. Another study from Michigan State University noted that while adult use might rise post-legalization, youth usage remains unaffected
Looking forward, experts advocate for the expansion of evidence-based programs to further reduce substance use risks among adolescents. These programs aim to bolster protective factors while addressing elements that contribute to substance use. As legalization continues to expand across the U.S., understanding its impact on youth remains crucial for shaping future policies and public health strategies