The debate over marijuana legalization has taken center stage in the headlines, especially as a wave of legalization has swept across the United States over the past decade. While many critics worry that policy changes may result in higher cannabis use among adolescents, a recent study offers a compelling counter-narrative, suggesting that legalization does not actually lead to an increase in adolescent usage. From 2011 to 2021, there has been a significant decline in marijuana use among U.S. high school students, challenging widespread assumptions from some.
Surprising Findings Amid Legalization Changes
The study, conducted by researchers from the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University and published in the Pediatric Report Journal earlier this month, takes a closer look at the trends in marijuana use among adolescents.
Using data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), this research tracks self-reported marijuana use over a decade, focusing on patterns related to gender, race/ethnicity, and grade level. The findings reveal a decline that many did not anticipate, especially in light of the broader societal shifts towards legalization.
One of the most fascinating aspects of this study is its timing, particularly amid the significant changes in marijuana legislation from 2011 to 2021. In 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize recreational marijuana.
This trend continued in 2014 when Oregon, Alaska, and the District of Columbia joined them. By 2016, California, Nevada, Maine, Massachusetts, and Michigan had also legalized recreational use. In 2018, Vermont entered the ranks, followed by Illinois in 2019. The movement gained further momentum in 2020 with Arizona and Montana legalizing recreational use, and by 2021, New York, Virginia, and New Mexico had also embraced an adult-use market.
Conventional wisdom might suggest that legal access for adults would trickle down, increasing use among teens. However, this study’s findings suggest otherwise, pointing instead to a decrease in both lifetime and current use amongst adolescents.
Breaking Down the Numbers of Study
The study notes a marked reduction in teen marijuana use, with percentages dropping to approximately 70% of the levels reported in 2011. Current marijuana usage went from 23.1% in 2011 to just 15.8% in 2021. This decline contradicts fears that legalization would lead to increased consumption among high schoolers.
Perhaps even more encouraging is the decrease in early initiation. The percentage of adolescents reporting marijuana use before age 13 dropped significantly, from 8.1% in 2011 to 4.9% in 2021. This suggests that younger teens are either delaying experimentation or avoiding it altogether.
While the general decline is notable, the study also highlights disparities based on demographic factors such as race, gender, and grade level. These nuances provide a more comprehensive understanding of the context and potential areas of concern.
Gender Shift and Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Adolescent Cannabis Use
One of the more striking findings of the study is the shift in usage patterns between genders. Historically, boys have reported higher rates of marijuana use, but by 2021, girls surpassed boys in their reported usage. With girls showing higher engagement, this reversal presents new challenges and considerations for targeted interventions.
Researchers suggest that evolving social dynamics, including more integrated friend groups, could contribute to this shift.
Despite widespread declines, the study indicates persistent racial disparities, with Black adolescents reporting higher marijuana use compared to their White, Hispanic, and Asian peers.
Conversely, Asian adolescents consistently report the lowest use rates. This could be attributed to stronger disapproval from parents and peers, as well as higher perceived risks associated with drug use.
Unsurprisingly, marijuana use increases with grade level. Twelfth graders consistently report the highest usage rates throughout the survey years.
Supporting Evidence That Cannabis Legalization, In Fact, Does Not Contribute To Higher Adolescent Cannabis Use
This study is part of a growing body of research that challenges the belief held by cannabis prohibitionists that legalization leads to increased adolescent use. Government survey data released by the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) provides further insight into teen marijuana use trends.
According to NSDUH data, the percentage of teenagers aged 12 to 17 who have tried marijuana has fallen by 18 percent from 2014 to 2023. Similarly, the percentage of teens who reported using marijuana in the past year dropped by 15 percent, and current use decreased by 19 percent.
Another study, covering a span of 28 years from 1993 to 2021, adds to these findings. Conducted by researchers from Montana State University and San Diego State University, this study analyzed responses from over 207,781 high school students and found no evidence that marijuana legalization, or the commencement of retail cannabis sales, was associated with increased use among adolescents.
Published in JAMA Psychiatry, the study examined state-level marijuana legalization laws and their relationship with youth marijuana use, using data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). It found no direct correlation between shifts in marijuana policy and teen consumption trends.
This evidence collectively suggests that fears of increased adolescent use post-legalization may be unfounded, reinforcing the notion that responsible regulation can coexist with public health objectives.
