Teens Are Smoking Less Weed Than Ever—And Legalization May Be the Reason Why!

Cannabis legalization in the U.S. has sparked debates about its impact on youth consumption, but new data shows a surprising trend: teen cannabis use is at its lowest level since states began legalizing adult-use in 2012.

The federally funded Monitoring the Future (MTF) Survey, supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), reveals significant declines in cannabis consumption among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders:

Lifetime Use:

8th grade: 32% (down from previous years).

10th grade: 37%.

12th grade: 23%.

Past Year Use:

8th grade: Declined by 38%.

10th grade: Fell by 42%.

12th grade: Dropped by 26%.

These reductions are consistent across lifetime, past-year, and past 30-day use metrics.

NIDA Director Dr. Nora Volkow expressed surprise at the findings, particularly given the anticipated rebound in substance use following the end of COVID-19 restrictions. “This trend in the reduction of substance use among teenagers is unprecedented,” she stated. The data suggests that legalization, often criticized for potentially increasing youth access, has instead coincided with reduced consumption among teens.

One contributing factor appears to be a shift in perception among teens about cannabis. The survey found a rise in the belief that cannabis use carries a “great risk,” and many teens now perceive the substance as less accessible, even as the number of adult-use retail outlets grows.

Paul Armentano, Deputy Director of NORML, notes that the findings undermine claims that legalization leads to higher teen consumption. 1“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,” he said.

The MTF Survey joins a growing body of evidence supporting the argument that legalization protects teens rather than increases usage:

A federally funded study from earlier in 2024 found no increase in cannabis use among middle school students in states with legalized adult-use cannabis.

A 2022 European study found no correlation between cannabis legalization and increased consumption among individuals aged 15–34.

Canada's Experience: A Model for Regulation

Similar trends are emerging in Canada, where cannabis was legalized for adult use in 2018. The 2024 Canadian Cannabis Survey found:

72% of respondents purchased cannabis legally, up from just 30% in 2017.

Only 3% of cannabis consumers reported purchasing from illegal sources, down from 16% in 2017.

Smoking remains the most popular method of consumption (69%), followed by edibles (57%) and vaporizing (37%).

Canada’s success in shifting consumers away from the illicit market demonstrates the benefits of regulated cannabis access, including reduced reliance on criminal supply chains.

The shift toward legalization and regulation reflects a broader global reckoning with the failures of prohibition. United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, recently declared the War on Drugs a failure. At the Dealing with Drugs II conference in Warsaw, Türk emphasized the need to treat drug use as a health issue rather than a crime.

2“Criminalisation and prohibition have failed to reduce drug use and failed to deter drug-related crime. These policies are simply not working,” Türk stated.

Data from the U.S. and Canada demonstrates that regulated cannabis markets can effectively reduce youth access, decrease illegal market activity, and prioritize public health. With the evidence mounting, legalization continues to show its potential as a tool for responsible drug policy reform.

Is Legal Cannabis Protecting Teens Better Than Prohibition Ever Did?