What topics does this cannabis study cover?

This study covers research on: THC.

Where was this research published?

Published in Addictive behaviors on February 8, 2026.

THC

Shifting Tides: How Teen Cannabis Use Has Transformed Since 1991

Q: What did this research study find?

**Lifetime cannabis use dropped from 47.3% to 30.1% between 1999 and 2023**

Trends in US adolescent cannabis use, 1991-2023.

Addictive behaviors • February 8, 2026 • Moderately Relevant

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AI Summary

A comprehensive analysis of adolescent cannabis use in the United States reveals significant shifts in consumption patterns over three decades. Lifetime cannabis use has dramatically decreased from 47.3% in 1999 to 30.1% in 2023, marking a substantial decline in youth marijuana consumption. The study tracked usage patterns through the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, providing insights into changing trends across different demographic groups.

The research uncovered a notable gender transformation in cannabis use patterns. Historically, males reported higher usage rates, but by 2023, females now demonstrate higher prevalence of both lifetime (33.4%) and recent cannabis use (19.4%) compared to their male counterparts. Racial and ethnic differences persist, with Asian adolescents consistently reporting the lowest usage rates, while non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic youth show higher consumption levels across multiple metrics.

Most critically, the study highlights a nuanced public health narrative. Early-age cannabis initiation has significantly declined from 11.5% to 6.5%, suggesting potential improvements in youth drug education and prevention strategies. These trends indicate a complex landscape of adolescent cannabis consumption, challenging previous assumptions about usage patterns and demographic influences.

💡 Key Findings

Lifetime cannabis use dropped from 47.3% to 30.1% between 1999 and 2023

High

95%

Females now report higher cannabis use rates than males in 2023

High

85%

Early-age cannabis initiation declined from 11.5% to 6.5%

High

90%

📄 Original Abstract

Cannabis use remains a major concern for adolescent health. Monitoring adolescent cannabis use trends and whether demographic subgroups might be differentially impacted remains important for public health planning. Data from the 1991-2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), a biennial school-based survey representative of US high school students, were analyzed. Cross-tabulations and logistic regression models were calculated to examine lifetime, recent, and early-age cannabis use. Trends in cannabis use were examined by sex and race/ethnicity. Across different demographic groups, adolescent cannabis use rates have largely followed a similar inverted-U pattern, with rates peaking in 1999 and subsequently declining. Lifetime cannabis use decreased from 47.3% (95% CI: 44.5-50.2%) in 1999 to 30.1% (95% CI: 27.8-32.3%) in 2023. Recent use declined from 27.1% (95% CI: 24.6-29.6%) to 17.8% (95% CI: 16.2-19.4%). Early-age initiation declined from 11.5% (95% CI: 9.7-13.3%) to 6.5% (95% CI: 4.7-8.4%). A significant gender shift occurred: while males historically reported higher rates, in 2023, females demonstrated higher prevalence of both lifetime (33.4% vs. 27.0%) and recent use (19.4% vs. 16.4%). Consistent racial/ethnic differences persisted, with Asian adolescents reporting consistently lower prevalence and non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic adolescents reporting higher rates across most metrics. Rates of lifetime, recent, and early-age cannabis rose through the 1990s, peaked around 1999, and have since declined. Where males formerly reported higher cannabis use rates, females now report higher rates of lifetime and recent cannabis use. Such convergence, noted to be robust across racial/ethnic groups, merits further study.