Teen cannabis use is going down as more states legalize, federal study shows

A new federal study from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) indicates that teenage marijuana use is declining even as more states move toward adult-use legalization. This finding challenges long-standing arguments from prohibitionists who suggested that legalizing the drug for adults would lead to increased consumption among minors. The data comes amid a flurry of legislative and regulatory activity, including efforts to protect the hemp industry and expand retail access in various states.

According to the SAMHSA report, the downward trend in youth cannabis consumption persists despite the expansion of regulated markets across the United States. This federal data is being highlighted by reform advocates as evidence that legalization does not necessarily encourage underage use. In related federal news, the House Energy and Commerce Committee has unanimously passed a bill requiring the Department of Health and Human Services to investigate the prevalence of marijuana and fentanyl testing within hospital emergency departments, signaling a shift toward data-driven public health oversight.

At the state level, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers is actively lobbying the state’s congressional delegation to block a federal move that would recriminalize hemp-derived THC products. Evers warned that the planned federal changes, set to take effect later this year, could cause mass disruption to the state's hemp industry. Meanwhile, Vermont is implementing a new law that doubles the legal possession limit for marijuana. Vermont Cannabis Control Board Chair James Pepper stated that the increase is intended to drive consumers toward the regulated market and could eventually help establish regional standards for interstate commerce.

The business landscape is also seeing significant shifts, with Vireo Growth Inc. announcing its acquisition of Planet 13 Holdings Inc. To prepare for potential future regulatory changes, Glass House Brands Inc. has hired a former Drug Enforcement Administration official to provide guidance on interstate commerce and export opportunities. Additionally, Rhode Island regulators are preparing to restart their licensing process by refunding fees to prospective business owners after litigation previously stalled the rollout. In local developments, San Francisco Mayor London Breed signed legislation to legalize cannabis cafes, further expanding the social consumption sector.