Colorado Survey Shows Significant Drop in Teen Cannabis Use

LOS ANGELES- The latest Healthy Kids Colorado Survey reveals a notable decline in cannabis use among high school students, with a 37% decrease in reported use over the past month from 2013 to 2023. Additionally, the survey found that the number of teens who found cannabis “easy” to obtain dropped by 27% during the same period.

In 2012, Colorado, along with Washington, became the first state to legalize recreational cannabis, with the first licensed retail outlet opening in 2014. This decade-long data offers insight into the impact of legalization on youth cannabis consumption.

Nationally, high school cannabis use has decreased by an estimated 30% over the last decade, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Compliance checks in states such as California, Colorado, and Nevada indicate that licensed cannabis retailers are not selling to underage individuals.

A study published in April by JAMA Pediatrics supports these findings, suggesting that legalizing cannabis and allowing licensed stores is associated with reduced use rates among teenagers. The study analyzed data from nearly a million teens across 47 states, focusing on their reported use of cannabis, alcohol, cigarettes, and e-cigarettes in the past month.

These findings collectively indicate that legal cannabis markets, coupled with effective regulation and compliance, may contribute to a reduction in teen cannabis use.