Cannabis Trends Shift: Teen Use Stabilizes While Adults Embrace Increased Consumption

A recent study published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports reveals a notable divergence in cannabis use trends across different demographics in the United States. While cannabis consumption has generally increased among adults, it has surprisingly remained stable among teenagers. This finding contradicts previous expectations, raising intriguing questions about the changing landscape of cannabis use and its implications for society. The research, which analyzed data from over 500,000 individuals spanning from 2013 to 2022, was led by Delvon Mattingly, a behavioral science professor at the University of Kentucky. Mattingly highlighted that the study focused on current cannabis use, defined as usage within the past 30 days, while examining patterns based on age, gender, race, ethnicity, education, and income. One of the most striking revelations is that cannabis use among teenagers aged 12 to 17 did not see the anticipated rise, with recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data indicating a decrease in high school cannabis use from 23% in 2013 to 17% in 2023. Mattingly suggested that state-level legalization of cannabis might have played a role in this trend, as strict regulations prevent recreational dispensaries from selling to anyone under 21. Jordan Gette, a postdoctoral fellow at the Rutgers Center of Alcohol and Substance Use Studies, emphasized that the pandemic likely influenced substance use trends among teens. With less time spent with peers and increased parental supervision, there has been a broader decrease in illicit substance use, including alcohol and vaping. In contrast to the teenage demographic, the study found that adults with higher socio-economic status exhibited increased cannabis use. The prevalence of cannabis use more than doubled among those with college degrees and individuals from households earning over $75,000 annually. This trend may be attributed to changing perceptions of cannabis, driven by its legalization in many states, along with endorsements from celebrities and athletes. Mattingly also pointed out the potential link between access to medical cannabis and increased usage among higher-income individuals. He noted that those with greater financial means often have better access to healthcare and may utilize cannabis for pain management. Moreover, the study uncovered that non-Hispanic multiracial individuals reported the highest rates of cannabis use, with over 25% of this group consuming cannabis in 2022. Mattingly underscored the need for more research that includes this demographic, which has been historically underrepresented in scientific studies. As cannabis legalization continues to reshape societal norms and attitudes toward the substance, the findings from this study prompt a reevaluation of how different segments of the population engage with cannabis. The stability of usage among teenagers—coupled with the surge among adults with higher socio-economic status—signals a potential shift in the cultural and social dynamics surrounding cannabis that warrants further exploration.