Teen Marijuana Use ‘Remained Stable’ As Legalization Expands, Federal Health Officials Acknowledge

OG article by Kyle Jaeger

December 24, 2025

The Monitoring the Future survey, funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and conducted by the University of Michigan, shows that teen marijuana use remained stable in 2025 despite expanded legalization in more states. The survey, based on data from 23,726 students in 8th, 10th, and 12th grades across 270 schools from February to June 2025, found past-year marijuana use at 7.6% for 8th graders, 15.6% for 10th graders, and 25.7% for 12th graders—the lowest 12th-grade rate since 1992. Past-month use was 4% for 8th graders, 9.4% for 10th graders, and 17.1% for 12th graders, a slight increase from last year but far below the 1978 peak of 37.1% before any legalization. NIDA Director Nora Volkow stated, “We are encouraged that adolescent drug use remains relatively low and that so many teens choose not to use drugs at all,” emphasizing the need to monitor trends and support healthy choices.

Abstention rates from marijuana, alcohol, and nicotine stayed stable, with 91% of 8th graders, 82% of 10th graders, and 66% of 12th graders reporting no past-month use. Hemp-based cannabinoid products, including delta-8 THC, saw past-year use at 2% for 8th graders, 6% for 10th graders, and 9% for 12th graders. These findings contradict claims that legalization increases underage use, as regulatory frameworks like ID checks at licensed retailers prove more effective than prohibition in preventing diversion. Similar trends appear in Canada, where youth use declined post-legalization, and Germany, where legalization did not raise youth consumption or traffic accidents. U.S. data indicates adult use rises among those 26 and older, while youth rates remain stable from 2021 to 2024. Studies from groups like the Marijuana Policy Project show declines in 19 of 21 legalized states, averaging 35% in early adopters, with drops in states like Washington, Colorado, and nationwide per CDC reports. Federal studies confirm no link between legalization and increased youth use, with some showing decreases, and JAMA research finds no evidence of rises from retail openings.