WASHINGTON — Federally funded survey data provided by the University of Michigan reports that teen marijuana use has declined significantly over the past decade and is now at historic lows.
Consistent with data previously reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the University of Michigan’s annual Monitoring the Future report finds that cannabis use by young people is at a 30-year low.
In the past decade alone, during which time 24 states legalized adult-use marijuana sales, the percentage of 8th graders, 10th graders, and 12 graders who reported having ever consumed cannabis declined 32 percent, 37 percent, and 23 percent respectively.
The percentage of 8th graders, 10th graders, and 12 graders who reported using cannabis in the past year fell 38 percent, 42 percent, and 26 percent respectively.
The percentage of 8th graders, 10th graders, and 12 graders who reported using cannabis in the past month declined 34 percent, 43 percent, and 34 percent respectively.
Commenting on the federal survey data, NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano said, “Sensational claims that adult-use legalization laws are linked with greater marijuana use by teens are simply not backed by reliable data. These findings ought to reassure lawmakers that cannabis access can be legally regulated in a manner that is safe, effective, and that does not inadvertently impact young people’s habits.”
In a syndicated op-ed published earlier this year, NORML highlighted the long-term decline in teen marijuana use, stating: “Those wedded to the status quo of cannabis criminalization have long warned that legalizing the marijuana market will result in increased adolescent use. But 10 years following the first states’ decisions to legalize and regulate adult-use cannabis sales, data conclusively shows that this fear was unfounded.”
About NORML
NORML advocates for changes in public policy so that the responsible possession and use of marijuana by adults is no longer subject to criminal penalties. NORML further advocates for a regulated commercial cannabis market so that activities involving the for-profit production and retail sale of cannabis and cannabis products are safe, transparent, consumer-friendly, and are subject to state and/or local licensure. Finally, NORML advocates for additional changes in legal and regulatory policies so that those who use marijuana responsibly no longer face either social stigma or workplace discrimination, and so that those with past criminal records for marijuana-related violations have the opportunity to have their records automatically expunged.
