CDC Data Shows Cannabis Use by U.S. High Schoolers Down Significantly in Last Decade

Cannabis use among U.S. high schoolers has declined significantly over the last 10 years, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlined in a recent NORML report.

The data was pulled from the CDC’s latest report, Youth Risk Behavior Survey: Data Summary & Trends Report 2013-2023, which highlighted “ten-year trends” of improvements in adolescent health and well-being. Specifically regarding cannabis, the report found that the percentage of high school students who identify as cannabis consumers fell 26% between 2013 and 2023.

Notably, the country’s first states to legalize adult-use cannabis — Colorado and Washington — each adopted their landmark legalization laws in 2014.

“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 habits.” — NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano, in a statement

The data also coincides with the latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which also identified a decline in cannabis use among adolescents. Specifically, the report found youth aged 12 to 17 who reported having tried cannabis fell 18% from 2014 to 2023, the report said.

Teenage cannabis use also declined in Canada in the years following its federal legalization policy, according to a 2020 survey.