On the heels of the American Medical Association’s official stance in favor of decriminalizing drug use, the Centers for Disease Control released a study showing teen marijuana usage decreased in states where cannabis is legal.
New data from the federal government indicates a potential decrease in marijuana use among teenagers in states that have legalized recreational adult-use cannabis, as Florida considers a similar measure with Amendment 3 on the November ballot. According to a new Youth Risk Behavior Survey released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the percentage of high-school students reporting past-month marijuana use has dropped from 23% in 2013 to 17% in 2023.
This finding aligns with the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The survey reported an 18% decline in young people aged 12-17 who have tried marijuana since 2014, with a 15% decrease in those who used marijuana in the past year and a 19% reduction in current use.
Paul Armentano, deputy director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), commented on the NSDUH findings, asserting that “sensational claims that adult-use legalization laws are linked with greater marijuana use by teens are simply not backed by reliable data,” Armentano said. “These government findings ought to reassure lawmakers that cannabis access can be legally regulated in a manner that is safe, effective, and that does not inadvertently impact young people’s habits.”
The Smart and Safe Florida campaign, which is pushing for passage of Amendment 3, weighed in on the news, too.
“Do not let fear-mongering fool you,” warned Morgan Hill, spokesperson for Smart & Safe Florida. “The facts are clear. In study after study, we’re seeing teen marijuana use decline when states legalize recreational adult use marijuana.”
The CDC study and related developments come as the American Medical Association (AMA) also endorsed drug decriminalization this summer, advocating for the elimination of criminal penalties for drug possession for personal use. The AMA’s broader drug policy reform platform supports decriminalization as a public health measure, although it has faced some internal debate regarding the evidence supporting its benefits.
As Florida voters prepare to decide on Amendment 3, which would legalize adult-use marijuana, these studies and the AMA’s stance add important context to the ongoing debate. While a number of prominent Republicans have come out in vocal opposition to the amendment, proponents argue that legalization can be achieved without increasing teen use.