Teen cannabis use falls as more states legalize 📉

TEENS
Teens are using less cannabis — and drugs in general

Driving the news: Anti-cannabis advocacy groups say that when cannabis is legalized, more teens will choose to use the drug which could impact their brains. 

The evidence tells a completely different story, however.

Cannabis use among teenagers hit the lowest levels recorded in three decades, despite more states choosing to legalize. 

By the numbers: Twenty-six percent of 12th graders and 16% of 10th graders reported using cannabis in the last year, per the federally funded Monitoring The Future study. 

That’s compared to 42% of 12th graders reporting alcohol consumption — down from 75% in 1997, and 26% of 10th graders.

So what? While substance use is down across the board for young people, the decrease in teen cannabis use is a sign that legalization and regulation work to take cannabis out of kids’ hands. 

On the other hand: More adults are using cannabis daily than drinking, as we’ve reported. Regardless of your feelings on that stat — it’s a massive business opportunity for many of our readers. 

-JB

“I'm not a fan. I mean, I know we have people that — on our side that are for it, but I'm not,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune told AskAPol when asked about the SAFER Banking Act, a cannabis banking bill.

Despite incoming President Donald Trump’s support for limited cannabis reform, it doesn’t appear his party’s majority leader is on board. It may be a tough path for the bill to pass the Republican-controlled chamber. 

New York sells $1 billion worth of weed in 2024 🌿

New York cannabis retailers sold $1 billion worth of cannabis last year, the state’s Office of Cannabis Management said in its year-end report. “Today, we recognize the $1 billion milestone as more than just a number—it’s a testament to the hard work of those who helped build the strongest cannabis industry in the nation,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said.

The recently sworn in Congress has new chairs of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus: Outgoing chairs Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Barbara Lee (D-CA) will hand over the reins to Reps. Dina Titus (D-NV) and Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Marijuana Moment reports.

More Teens Are Using Dangerously Potent Pot for Intense Highs | Wall Street Journal

Legalized marijuana means strange, new gifts for the stoner who has everything | The New York Post

RFK Jr. Says Drug Addicts Need Tough Love. Is He Right? | The Free Press

‘We’re building a legacy’: Family aims to open cannabis cultivation facility in North St. Louis | The Missouri Independent 

As Marijuana Use Grows, Effect on Road Safety Remains a Blind Spot | The New York Times