Cannabis Legalization and Youth: Use Declines in 19 of 21 U.S. States

In recent years, legalizing cannabis for adults has become a topic of intense social and political debate, especially in the United States. Supporters emphasize the economic benefits and the possibility of reducing the black market, while opponents fear the negative impact on youth. However, it turns out that studies conducted in the United States clearly indicate an unexpected effect of legalization – a decrease in cannabis use among teenagers.

Studies show that introducing regulations on the sale of cannabis leads to a decrease in its availability to young people and a decrease in the frequency of use. Examples from states such as Colorado and Washington prove that legalization not only does not increase the popularity of this substance among younger users, but actually reduces its use.

US Research Data – What Do the Statistics Say?

In the more than decade since the first laws legalizing cannabis for adults were introduced, research provides clear evidence of a decline in use among teens.

Usage Declines in Legal States

In Colorado, where legalization took effect in 2012, the number of teens using marijuana has dropped by 35%. In 2011, 22% of high school students reported using marijuana in the past 30 days, while in 2023, it was only 12.8%.

In Washington state, marijuana use among 8th graders decreased by 61% (from 9.5% in 2010 to 3.7% in 2023). Among 10th graders, the decrease was 58%.

National trends
National statistics also confirm these trends:

Monitoring the Future data shows that marijuana use among 12th-grade students has declined from 22.6% in 2011 to 16.2% in 2024.

The CDC has noted a decrease in the availability of marijuana among youth – the number of 12th-grade students who say the substance is easy to obtain has dropped from 82.2% in 2011 to 65.1% in 2024.

Why is legalization decreasing cannabis use among youth?

One of the key reasons for the decline in cannabis use among youth is the introduction of strict regulations regarding sales. Legal cannabis dispensaries adhere to strict regulations, including mandatory verification of the age of customers. This reduces the availability of the substance on the black market, which was previously the main source of marijuana for minors.

Through taxes on marijuana sales, states can invest in educational programs and prevention campaigns aimed at youth. These initiatives increase awareness among young people about the potential effects of cannabis use, which effectively reduces interest in the substance.

Could legalization be a “gateway” to greater use?

One of the main arguments of opponents of legalizing cannabis is the fear that introducing regulations for adults could lead to an increase in its use among youth. However, data and expert opinions strongly debunk this myth.

Studies conducted in the US have not found a correlation between marijuana legalization and an increase in its use by youth. In fact, 19 of the 21 states that have introduced regulations have seen significant declines in cannabis use among teens.

The Voice of the Experts

Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), emphasized in her speech before the US Senate in 2022: “The legalization of marijuana by some states is not associated with an increase in use among teenagers.”

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association also confirms that marijuana policy reforms do not lead to an increase in youth use, proving that opponents’ fears are unfounded.

What can other countries learn from the US experience?

The United States, which has pioneered state-level cannabis legalization, provides valuable guidance for other countries considering similar reforms.

One of the key elements of success in the US was the creation of a well-functioning regulatory system that effectively limits access to cannabis for minors. Stores are required to strictly control the age of buyers, which minimizes the possibility of purchasing the substance by young people.

Taxes from legal cannabis sales help fund educational programs that raise awareness among youth about the consequences of drug use. These investments contribute to a decrease in marijuana use among young people.

The US experience shows how important it is to conduct systematic research and analyze data after legalization is introduced, so that the effects of reforms can be monitored on an ongoing basis and policy adjustments can be made.

Summary of the benefits of legalization for society

The introduction of cannabis regulations has brought a number of benefits for both adults and youth. Legalizing cannabis for adults not only does not harm youth, but it also helps reduce its use. The transition from the black market to a regulated sales system has reduced the availability of the substance for minors and has enabled funding for preventive education.

The U.S. experience shows that an open approach to drug policy reform, based on sound data and effective regulation, can bring real social benefits. Other countries should consider similar actions, adapting proven solutions to local conditions.

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(Featured image by Kampus Production via Pexels)

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