Teen Cannabis Use Has Declined Significantly In Adult-Use Legalization States

Cannabis use by young people has fallen in every state that has enacted laws legalizing and regulating the adult-use marijuana market, according to an analysis of state and federal survey data by the Marijuana Policy Project.

“Study after study has found that cannabis policy reforms are not linked to increased rates of cannabis use among adolescents,” the report states. “In every legalization state, government surveys indicate a decrease in high schoolers’ cannabis use rates post-legalization.”

For example, cannabis use by high schoolers fell over 60 percent in Colorado post-legalization. In Washington, use by 12th graders has declined over 65 percent. Colorado and Washington were the first two states in the nation to enact adult-use legalization laws.

In Massachusetts, where a prohibitionist group has placed a ballot question seeking to repeal the state’s voter-approved adult-use law, use by teens has fallen 50 percent since legalization.

According to data posted last week on the CDC’s YRBS (Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System) Explorer website, the percentage of high schoolers nationwide who identify as current cannabis consumers is now at a historic low.