Legalization Has Reduced Cannabis Use among Teens by 25%, Study Shows

In the past decade, as more states have legalized cannabis, many opponents of the policy have warned of an increase in its use among youth. But the latest research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) paints a very different picture: a decline in cannabis use among high school students. What are the reasons for this trend, and what does it mean for future drug policy?

Cannabis use declines, CDC study says

According to the CDC’s latest Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), the percentage of high school students who used cannabis in the past month has dropped from 23% in 2013 to 17% in 2023. That’s a significant drop that contradicts concerns that legalizing cannabis for adults would increase its availability and use among youth.

The gender breakdown is particularly interesting. Among boys, the percentage dropped from 25% to 15%, and among girls from 22% to 19%. These figures suggest that legalization, far from increasing cannabis use among young people, actually contributed to its decline.

Contrary to the predictions of opponents of legalization

Opponents of cannabis legalization have often argued that such actions would lead to an increase in youth use. However, data collected by the CDC clearly shows that these fears were unfounded. The decline in youth cannabis use is a fact of life, and legalization has not negatively affected this trend.

The decline in cannabsi use is evident across all demographic groups. Studies show that cannabis use has declined among all racial groups. What’s more, LGBTQ+ students are more likely to use substances than their heterosexual peers, but cannabis use has also declined among this group.

Comparison with other substances

The decline in cannabis use is just one part of a broader trend. Use of other substances is also declining. Alcohol use among youth has fallen from 35% in 2013 to 22% in 2023. Similarly, prescription opioid use has declined since the question was introduced in 2017.

Studies also point to changes in perceptions of the availability and risks of cannabis use. After legalization, youth increasingly perceive cannabis as harder to obtain and less risky to use. Experts suggest that a regulated cnnabis market may limit illegal distribution, which in turn reduces access for youth.

International comparisons in cannabis use

Similar trends can be seen in other countries that have legalized cannabis. In Canada, where cannabis has been legal since 2018, there has been a decline in the availability and cannabis use among youth. In 2020, only 7.5% of youth reported cannabis use, a significant drop from the pre-legalization period.

CDC research clearly shows that legalizing cannabis does not lead to an increase in its use among young people. On the contrary, the percentage of young people using cannabis is decreasing. This is important information for decision-makers and an indication that regulating the cannabis market can have positive social effects.

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First published in Fakty Konopne. A third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

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