“Marijuana Mystique Melts: Teen Use Hits Historic Low After Decades of Decline”
**Teen Marijuana Use Declines to Historic Lows, Federally Funded Survey Finds**
A recent report by the University of Michigan’s Monitoring the Future survey has found that teen marijuana use has dropped significantly over the past decade, reaching historic lows. The survey, which has been conducted since 1975, collects data on youth drug use from approximately 24,000 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students in schools across the United States.
According to the report, the proportion of 8th graders, 10th graders, and 12th graders who say they have used marijuana has dropped by 32%, 37%, and 37%, respectively, over the past 10 years. This decline is consistent with data previously reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
The decline in teen marijuana use is unprecedented, according to Dr. Nora Volkov, the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse. “We must continue to investigate the factors that lead to reduced risk of substance use to develop interventions to support the continuation of this trend,” she said.
Some argue that the decline in teen marijuana use is linked to the increasing popularity of adult-use legalization. Over the past decade, 24 states have legalized adult-use marijuana sales. However, researchers at Columbia University who studied drug use among teenagers say that sensational claims linking adult-use legalization to increased teen marijuana use are simply not supported by reliable data.
Paul Armentano, Deputy Director of the National Organization for Marijuana Law Reform, agrees. “These findings should reassure lawmakers that access to cannabis can be legally regulated in a safe, effective way and not inadvertently impact the habits of young people,” he said.
FAQs:
Q: Why has teen marijuana use declined?
A: The exact reasons behind the decline in teen marijuana use are unclear, but factors may include increased education about the risks of drug use, decreased availability of marijuana, and changing social norms.
Q: Is adult-use legalization contributing to the decline in teen marijuana use?
A: While some argue that adult-use legalization is linked to the decline in teen marijuana use, researchers say that there is no reliable data to support this claim.
Q: What can policymakers do to support the continued decline in teen marijuana use?
A: Policymakers can continue to educate the public about the risks of drug use and invest in research to better understand the factors contributing to the decline in teen marijuana use.
Conclusion:
The decline in teen marijuana use is a promising trend, and further research is needed to understand the factors contributing to this decline. Policymakers can support the continued decline in teen marijuana use by investing in education and research, while also regulating access to cannabis in a safe and effective way. The findings of the Monitoring the Future survey should reassure lawmakers that access to cannabis can be legally regulated without inadvertently impacting the habits of young people.
