Over the past 15 years, the legalization and decriminalization of cannabis across the United States have reshaped public perceptions and usage patterns. While overall cannabis consumption rates have risen significantly among adults, teen use has followed a more nuanced trajectory. Contrary to concerns that legalization might lead to a surge in adolescent use, research shows that teen cannabis consumption has remained relatively stable or even declined in many areas.
Teen Cannabis Use: Then vs. Now
2008
In 2008, cannabis was largely prohibited nationwide, with only 12 states having medical marijuana programs. According to the Monitoring the Future (MTF) study, about 19% of 12th graders reported using cannabis in the past month, and 34% reported using it in the past year. The stigma surrounding cannabis use was stronger, but access was often through unregulated black-market channels.
2023
Fast forward to today, and cannabis is legal for medical use in 38 states and for recreational use in 23 states. The same MTF study indicates that past-month use among 12th graders was approximately 18% in 2023, showing a slight decline from 2008. Annual use also dropped slightly to around 30%. For younger teens, the numbers reveal an even more pronounced decrease, with past-month cannabis use among 8th graders falling from 8% in 2008 to 6% in 2023.
Why the Trends Are This Way
1. Regulation and Access
Legalization has shifted cannabis sales from the black market to regulated dispensaries. Licensed dispensaries are required to verify age and strictly prohibit sales to minors, reducing access for teens. In contrast, the black market, which thrived in 2008, had no such safeguards.
2. Changing Perceptions Among Teens
While societal acceptance of cannabis has increased among adults, teens have not shown the same enthusiasm. Surveys suggest that cannabis is perceived as less of a “rebellious” substance by teens in 2023, making it less appealing to some. Additionally, increased education around the risks of cannabis use for developing brains may deter some teens.
3. Public Health Campaigns
States that have legalized cannabis have also invested in public health campaigns targeting teen use. Campaigns like “Talk. They Hear You.” and “Start Talking Before They Start Using” emphasize the importance of parental conversations and informed decision-making.
4. Competition from Other Substances
The rise of other substances, particularly vaping nicotine, has drawn some attention away from cannabis among teens. According to the MTF study, vaping has become a more prominent trend among high school students, potentially influencing cannabis consumption rates.
Legalization and Its Role
One of the key concerns with cannabis legalization has been the potential for increased teen use. However, data from states with legal cannabis markets have not shown significant spikes in teen consumption. A 2022 study published in JAMA Pediatrics analyzed states with recreational cannabis laws and found no increase in teen use post-legalization.
The Regulatory Effect
Regulated cannabis markets have reduced black-market sales, where teens were more likely to obtain cannabis pre-legalization. The shift to legal markets ensures better control and enforcement of age restrictions, helping to keep cannabis out of the hands of minors.
Comparing Adult and Teen Use Trends
While adult cannabis use has nearly doubled over the past 15 years, teen use has remained stable or declined. This contrast highlights the effectiveness of regulation and public health strategies in targeting teen consumption.
| Demographic | 2008 Past-Month Use | 2023 Past-Month Use
- | 12th Graders | 19% | 18% |
- | 10th Graders | 14% | 13% |
- | 8th Graders | 8% | 6% |
Conclusion
Despite fears that cannabis legalization would lead to increased teen use, the data suggests otherwise. Over the past 15 years, teen cannabis consumption has remained steady or declined, even as adult use has surged and legalization has spread across the U.S. This stability reflects the positive impact of regulated markets, robust public health campaigns, and shifting teen attitudes toward cannabis. As the legal landscape continues to evolve, monitoring teen use will remain a priority to ensure long-term public health.
Sources
- Monitoring the Future (MTF): Substance Use Trends
- JAMA Pediatrics: The Impact of Legalization on Teen Cannabis Use (2022)
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Teen Marijuana Use Statistics
- SAMHSA: Public Health Campaigns
