Colorado Teens Are Using Less Weed
Colorado Teens Are Using Less Weed — Here’s Why That Matters
Over a decade after Colorado became the first U.S. state to legalize recreational cannabis, a surprising and encouraging trend has emerged: teens are using marijuana less, not more. This decline challenges early fears that legalization would lead to increased youth consumption.(Marijuana Moment)
📉 The Numbers Tell the Story
According to the 2023 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, only 12.8% of high school students reported using marijuana in the past 30 days—the lowest rate since at least 2013, when recreational sales began . Additionally, the percentage of students who have ever tried marijuana dropped to 26.3%, down from 36.9% in 2013 .
This trend aligns with national data indicating a decline in teen cannabis use across the country .
🧠 Why the Decline?
Several factors contribute to this downward trend:
- Effective Public Health Campaigns: Colorado has invested cannabis tax revenue into youth prevention programs, such as the “Speak Now” campaign, which educates teens about the risks of marijuana use .(Marijuana Moment)
- Regulated Market: Legalization has led to stricter controls over marijuana sales, making it more difficult for minors to access cannabis .
- Changing Perceptions: There’s been an increase in the perception among teens that marijuana use is risky, which correlates with decreased usage .(https://www.kjct8.com)
💬 What Experts Say
Public health officials emphasize that legalization, coupled with education and regulation, can reduce youth marijuana use. They note that responsible policies and community engagement are key to sustaining this positive trend .
🌟 Looking Ahead
Colorado’s experience suggests that legalization doesn’t necessarily lead to increased teen marijuana use. Instead, with proper regulation and education, it’s possible to protect youth while respecting adult freedoms.
As other states consider cannabis policy reforms, Colorado’s data offers valuable insights into how to balance legalization with public health objectives.
