Sharp Drop In Teen Marijuana Use: Legalization And Demographics Examined

A new study from Florida Atlantic University reveals a significant drop in marijuana use among U.S. adolescents over the last decade. According to the research, which examined data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey spanning 2011 to 2021, the percentage of adolescents who reported current marijuana use dropped from 23.1% to 15.8%. First-time use among those under 13 also declined, signaling a promising trend despite the increasing legalization of marijuana for adult use nationwide.

Shifts By Grade Level And Gender

The study, published in Pediatric Reports, found that marijuana use was highest among 12th graders (22.4%) in 2021, with rates decreasing in younger grades. Researchers observed a steady decline across all high school grades, yet slight increases occurred in 2013 and 2019. Notably, the study found that in 2021, 17.8% of girls reported current marijuana use compared to 13.6% of boys. This marks a notable change from 2011, when boys led with 25.9% usage versus girls’ 20.1%.

"This trend highlights the need for targeted interventions aimed at older adolescents, who are at a greater risk of regular marijuana use," said lead researcher Panagiota Kitsantas, Ph.D., professor at FAU's Schmidt College of Medicine.

The research also noted a drop in early cannabis use, with only 4.9% of teens reporting trying marijuana before age 13 in 2021, down from 8% a decade earlier

Disparities In Racial And Ethnic Use Patterns

Racial disparities in adolescent marijuana use also surfaced in the study. Black adolescents reported the highest usage rate (20.5%) in 2021, contrasting with lower rates among white (14.8%), Hispanic (16.7%) and Asian (5.1%) youth. Kitsantas and her colleagues stress the need for tailored interventions to address these disparities and support long-term declines.

Legalization's Influence On Adolescent Perception

Co-author Dr. Charles Hennekens highlighted the impact of adult marijuana legalization on adolescent behavior, noting that "the accessibility and perceived normalcy of the drug may increase, particularly for adolescents who may view its legal status as an indication of safety or acceptability."

Importance Of Continued Prevention And Education

Researchers emphasize that schools and families play crucial roles in curbing adolescent marijuana use. Effective health education, positive school climates, and parental communication are recommended to sustain these declines and counteract the potentially adverse effects of marijuana on developing brains.

Cover image made with AI