Legal Cannabis Shows Economic Gains and Stable Teen Use Trends

LOS ANGELES— A recent analysis from the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) indicates that legal adult‑use cannabis sales have generated approximately $24.7 billion in state tax revenue since legalization began in 2014, with $4.4 billion collected in 2024 alone . At the same time, data from multiple sources show that teen cannabis use has declined in most states following legalization.

Significant tax proceeds support a variety of public programs, including education, infrastructure, drug treatment, veterans’ services and efforts to repair communities affected by past prohibition. For example, mature markets like Colorado, Washington, and California have each contributed hundreds of millions in annual revenue toward schools, Medicaid, and behavioral health services.

On youth consumption, federal and state data capture a downward trend. A study spanning 2011–2021 found past‑month high‑school cannabis use dropped from roughly 23 % to 16 %, while lifetime youth use declined from about 40 % to 28 %—covering the transition to adult legalization. In major early‑adopter states like Colorado and Washington, teen use rates fell by over 35 %, even as adult use rose.

Experts suggest well‑regulated systems with strict age verification and clear labelling may have channeled youth away from illicit markets . However, public health authorities caution that potent new products still pose risk, particularly if accessed by minors .