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, …