The CDC’s 2025 biennial survey found that 12.9% of U.S. high school students reported using cannabis in the previous 30 days, down from 23.1% in 2011—a 44% decline as adult-use legalization continued to spread.
The Marijuana Policy Project, which compiled CDC and state data, said teen use declined after legalization in every state with a regulated adult-use market. It cited drops of nearly 30% in Nevada, nearly 50% in Michigan, more than 50% in Massachusetts and nearly 60% in Arizona. NORML said the findings are consistent with other national data showing youth cannabis use at historic lows.
Massachusetts voters will consider Question 8 in November. The measure would repeal provisions allowing recreational cannabis sales and home cultivation. Marijuana Policy Project executive director Adam Smith urged voters to reject the rollback, citing a roughly 50% decline in teen use and a nearly 90% reduction in cannabis arrests since legalization in the state.
