Teen Marijuana Use Declines in Post-Legalization California
SAN FRANCISCO, CA Marijuana use by adolescents continues to decline in California, according to statewide data provided by the California Healthy Kids Survey, a biennial survey funded by the Departments of Health and Education.
Among 7th graders, 4.2 percent reported ever having used cannabis during the years 2015 to 2017, as compared to 7.9 percent during the years 2013 to 2015 (-47 percent). Among 9th graders, 17.4 percent reported ever having used cannabis during the years 2015 to 2017, as compared to 23.1 percent during the years 2013 to 2015 (-25 percent). Among 11th graders, 31.9 percent reported ever having used cannabis during the years 2015 to 2017, as compared to 37.9 percent during the years 2013 to 2015 (-16 percent).
The percentage of teens reporting using cannabis multiple times and/or repeatedly within the past 30 days also declined for all age groups.
These initial reports confirm that legalizing and regulating cannabis doesnt increase youth marijuana use, but rather it has the opposite effect, said Ellen Komp, deputy director of California NORML. The fact that the biggest drop in reported use came from younger age groups is a particularly encouraging indicator of the success of regulation.
California law legalized the adult ...
