Teen Cannabis Use Increased After CA Legalization: Study

SACRAMENTO, CA — Gov. Gavin Newsom was among state officials who celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the legalization of cannabis in California on Monday, but the festivities arrived with its share of highs and lows.

New research from Kaiser Permanente found that after adult recreational cannabis was legalized in 2016, cannabis use among teenagers in Northern California increased.

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The study, which was published April 17 on JAMA Network Open, analyzed 1.3 million well-child pediatric visits among Kaiser Permanente patients aged 13 to 17 between 2011 and 2024. During each visit, they completed a confidential questionnaire that included questions about substance use.

Before legalization, 10.4 percent of teens reporting past-year use in 2011 compared to 6.8 percent in 2016. After legalization, rates increased to 8.1 percent in 2017 and 9.5 percent in 2018.

Rates began to decline during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We saw adolescent cannabis use begin to rise after legalization was passed and before retail sales began," said researcher Kelly C. Young-Wolff, per Kaiser Permanente. "This suggests that changes in social norms and perceptions may play an important role in shaping teen behavior."

Researchers said the increase could have been attributed to adolescents viewing cannabis as more socially acceptable, as well as increased availability, lower prices, and the increase in vaping products.

The authors said more research is needed to understand what sparks teens to use cannabis, but the results of the study indicate "societal factors likely influence use."

The study was released days before California celebrated its 10-year anniversary of cannabis legalization. On Monday, Gov. Gavin Newsom touted his record on regulating and supporting the cannabis industry, which, since 2018 has generated more than $7 billion in tax revenue for the state.

California has cleared more than 215,000 cannabis convictions and disrupted $1.2 billion in illegal cannabis activity since Proposition 64 passed in 2016.

While the governor's acknowledgement of the 10-year anniversary did cover community investments and comprehensive reforms, he did not specifically address under-age cannabis use or access to drugs.

"California has cleared records, seized illegal product, and built a legal market that works. As our work continues, we’re focused on strengthening that legal market so it can compete and succeed."