WASHINGTON — Government survey data released today by the US Department of Health and Human Services affirms that the adoption of state-specific marijuana legalization laws has not negatively impacted rates of teens’ cannabis use.
Data provided by the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health finds that teenagers are far less likely to report consuming cannabis today than they were nearly a decade ago.
Specifically, the NSDUH data reports that the percentage of those ages 12 to 17 who reported having ever tried marijuana fell 18 percent from 2014 to 2023. Those reporting having consumed cannabis during the past year fell 15 percent. The percentage of teens reporting current marijuana use fell 19 percent.
In 2014, Colorado became the first state to regulate the retail sale of cannabis products to adults. Today, 24 states — comprising more than half of the US population — have legalized the use of marijuana for those 21 and older.
Year over year, marijuana use by teens was down slightly, according to the latest NSDUH report.
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 government 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 behavior.”
The NSDUH data is consistent with teen use data previously reported by the US Centers for Disease Control finding steadily decreasing rates of marijuana use by adolescents.
Additional information is available from NORML’s fact-sheet, “Marijuana Regulation and Teen Use Rates.”
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.
