Study Highlights Changing Trends in Adolescent Cannabis Use in the U.S.: Decline in Use but Persistent Racial Disparities

As recreational marijuana continues to be legalized across the United States, concerns are rising over its impact on youth. Marijuana has become one of the most commonly used substances among adolescents, and with increasing legalization, it’s crucial to understand usage trends in this vulnerable age group. A recent study from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) sheds light on these patterns, revealing key insights about how marijuana use among U.S. adolescents has shifted over the last decade.

Key Findings: A Decline in Adolescent Cannabis Use Over Time

The study, conducted by researchers at FAU’s Schmidt College of Medicine, analyzed data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) between 2011 and 2021. This extensive dataset includes responses from 88,183 adolescents in grades nine through twelve, providing a broad view of marijuana use trends by year, grade, gender, and race or ethnicity. One of the most notable findings from the study was the significant decrease in reported marijuana use among adolescents during this period.

In 2011, 23.1% of adolescents surveyed identified as current marijuana users, but by 2021, that figure had dropped to 15.8%. Additionally, the percentage of adolescents trying marijuana for the first time before the age of 13 also saw a marked decline, from 8.1% in 2011 to 4.9% in 2021. These trends indicate a general reduction in early marijuana experimentation among U.S. youth, an encouraging sign amid concerns over adolescent substance use.

Usage Trends by Grade Level: Highest Among 12th Graders

While marijuana use has declined across all high school grade levels, the study found that older students reported the highest levels of usage. In 2021, 22.4% of 12th graders identified as current users, compared to 18.7% of 11th graders, and notably lower rates in younger grades. Over the years, all grades saw a decline in marijuana use, with the most significant drop among ninth graders.

Dr. Panagiota “Yiota” Kitsantas, the study’s corresponding author, commented on these findings, stating, “While we observed an overall decline from 2011 to 2021 across all grades, older students consistently reported higher usage, particularly 12th graders. This suggests that as adolescents advance through high school, they may have greater access to marijuana, influenced by more developed peer networks and increased independence.” The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions focused on older adolescents who are more likely to engage in regular marijuana use.

Shifts in Cannabis Use by Gender: Girls Surpassing Boys

One surprising trend uncovered by the FAU study was a shift in marijuana use by gender. Historically, boys reported higher levels of marijuana use than girls, but by 2021, this trend had reversed. In 2011, boys reported a higher prevalence of marijuana use (25.9%) compared to girls (20.1%). However, by 2021, the percentage of girls reporting marijuana use had risen to 17.8%, while it had dropped to 13.6% among boys.

The convergence in usage rates may reflect broader social changes in attitudes toward marijuana, particularly among female adolescents. This shift highlights a need for public health initiatives that address gender-specific factors influencing drug use among adolescents. By understanding these patterns, educators and policymakers can better tailor intervention strategies to meet the unique needs of both male and female students.

Racial Disparities in Cannabis Use: Persistent Differences

The study also revealed important racial and ethnic disparities in adolescent marijuana use. Among racial groups, Black adolescents reported the highest prevalence of current marijuana use in 2021, at 20.5%. This rate was significantly higher than that of white adolescents (14.8%), Hispanic adolescents (16.7%), and Asian adolescents (5.1%).

These disparities are concerning and suggest that certain communities may be at higher risk of regular marijuana use. According to Charles H. Hennekens, M.D., co-author of the study and professor at FAU, “As more states continue to legalize recreational marijuana, the accessibility and perceived normalcy of the drug may increase, particularly for adolescents who may view its legal status as an indication of safety or acceptability.” He emphasized that these trends warrant closer examination to understand why certain demographic groups are more affected and how public health interventions can address these disparities.

The Influence of Legalization on Adolescent Perceptions and Behaviors

The FAU study also highlighted the impact of marijuana legalization for adults on adolescent behaviors and perceptions. As legalization expands across the U.S., more adolescents may perceive marijuana as less risky, given its legal status for adults. Dr. Hennekens noted that the shifting legal landscape “adds a complex layer to the issues of adolescent marijuana use,” potentially influencing young people to view the drug as safe or acceptable.

With marijuana’s legal status in more states, accessibility to the drug has also increased. This creates challenges for communities trying to reduce marijuana use among adolescents, as the line between legal adult use and youth experimentation becomes blurred. The FAU team stresses the importance of educational campaigns that clearly convey the risks associated with marijuana use, especially for young people whose brains and cognitive abilities are still developing.

Health Risks of Adolescent Cannabis Use

Regular or heavy marijuana use during adolescence can negatively impact cognitive development, regardless of educational background or verbal intelligence. Studies show that marijuana use disrupts brain function by reducing synaptic pruning, which leads to increased gray matter volume and decreased communication efficiency in higher-order brain areas. Adolescents who use marijuana are two to three times more likely to have lower grade point averages and may face a fourfold increase in the risk of psychosis diagnoses in adulthood.

The FAU study underscores the importance of early intervention, parental involvement, and effective health education in schools. By focusing on these areas, communities can help sustain the downward trend in adolescent marijuana use and support healthier developmental outcomes for youth.

Targeted Interventions and the Role of Education

The authors of the FAU study emphasize that reducing adolescent marijuana use requires targeted interventions that address the specific needs of different demographic groups. Interventions that include parental communication, supervision, and role modeling, alongside positive school climates, are critical in helping adolescents make healthy choices.

Panagiota Kitsantas pointed out that “older students consistently report higher marijuana use, particularly as they gain independence.” These findings suggest that intervention strategies should address the particular challenges faced by older adolescents, who may be more susceptible to peer influences and increased access to marijuana. School-based programs can play a key role in educating students about the risks of marijuana use and equipping them with the skills to resist peer pressure.

A Need for Ongoing Monitoring and Intervention

The FAU study provides valuable insights into the shifting trends of marijuana use among U.S. adolescents. While the overall decline in usage rates is encouraging, the study highlights areas of concern, including gender shifts and racial disparities, that require further examination. As marijuana legalization continues to expand, the need for monitoring adolescent perceptions and behaviors becomes increasingly important.

Public health officials and educators can use the study’s findings to create intervention strategies that address the specific needs of different demographic groups, helping to curb the risks associated with adolescent marijuana use and supporting a healthier future for the next generation.

By focusing on education, targeted interventions, and community involvement, stakeholders can work to sustain the downward trend in marijuana use and address the unique challenges presented by today’s evolving landscape of adolescent drug use.