A recent report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided compelling evidence that legalising cannabis does not lead to increased use among teenagers. In fact, the data suggests that teen cannabis use has actually declined in states where cannabis has been legalised. This finding directly contradicts the commonly held belief that legalisation would lead to higher consumption rates, particularly among young people—a concern that has long been cited by opponents of cannabis reform in the UK.
The Evidence: A Decline in Teen Cannabis Use
According to the CDC’s report, the percentage of high school students in the United States who reported using cannabis in the past month has steadily decreased over the last decade in states that have implemented legal cannabis markets. For example, the CDC data shows that the percentage of teens aged 12 to 17 who have ever tried cannabis dropped by 18% from 2014, when the first legal adult-use cannabis sales began in the U.S., to 2023. Similarly, the number of teenagers reporting past-year and past-month cannabis use also saw significant declines during this period.
These findings align with previous studies, including one published in JAMA Pediatrics, which reported that recreational marijuana legalisation was associated with an 8% decrease in teen cannabis use across the states that had implemented such laws. This trend has been consistent across various states, including Colorado and Washington, where cannabis was legalised early on. Colorado, for instance, saw a drop in teen cannabis use from 20% in 2014 to 13.5% in 2021.
Why Does Legalisation Lead to Lower Use?
One might wonder why legalisation would lead to a decrease in use, particularly among teenagers. The answer lies in a combination of regulation, education, and the removal of the ‘forbidden fruit’ appeal.
- Regulation: In a legal market, cannabis is sold through licensed retailers who are subject to strict regulations, including age verification. This makes it more difficult for underage individuals to obtain cannabis, unlike in an illegal market where there are no such safeguards. Compliance checks in states like California and Nevada have shown that legal cannabis retailers are diligent in preventing sales to underage customers, which contributes to the overall reduction in youth access to cannabis.
- Education: Legalisation often comes with public health campaigns aimed at educating the public about the risks and responsible use of cannabis. These campaigns are particularly effective when targeting young people, who may be more susceptible to the influence of peers and media. In states like Colorado, public education initiatives have been credited with raising awareness about the dangers of early cannabis use, which has likely contributed to the decline in teen consumption.
- The ‘Forbidden Fruit’ Effect: When something is prohibited, it often becomes more attractive, particularly to teenagers. Legalising cannabis removes this allure, making it just another regulated substance like alcohol or tobacco. As a result, the curiosity and rebellion that might drive some teens to experiment with cannabis when it is illegal are diminished in a legalised environment.
Implications for the UK
The data from the CDC should prompt a serious re-evaluation of the UK’s approach to cannabis. The assumption that legalisation would lead to increased use, especially among young people, is not supported by the evidence. Instead, the experience of U.S. states suggests that legalisation could help reduce cannabis use among teenagers by implementing strict regulations and effective education campaigns.
Moreover, legalisation in the UK could bring additional benefits, such as weakening the illegal market, generating tax revenue, and improving public health outcomes. By controlling the sale of cannabis through licensed outlets, the government could ensure that the product is safer, reducing the risks associated with unregulated, black-market cannabis. The tax revenue generated from legal cannabis sales could be invested in further public health initiatives, including drug education and prevention programs.
The UK
The CDC’s latest data provides a clear and compelling case for why the UK should reconsider its stance on cannabis legalisation. Far from leading to increased use, legalisation can result in a reduction in cannabis use, particularly among young people, when accompanied by strong regulation and education efforts. As the debate over cannabis policy continues, the UK should look closely at the evidence and consider the potential benefits of legalisation for public health and safety.