12 Teenage Drug Use Statistics 2024: A Dual Perspective on Marijuana Trends

Introduction

The landscape of teenage drug use, particularly concerning marijuana, presents a complex picture with both increasing and decreasing trends. In Virginia, as in many states, understanding these patterns is crucial for effective public health strategies. 

Below, we explore six statistics indicating an increase in teenage marijuana use, followed by six statistics showing a decrease, all within the context of Virginia and nationwide data.

Increasing Trends in Teenage Marijuana Use

1. Rising Marijuana Use Among Virginia Adolescents (Source)

In Virginia, 7.8% of adolescents aged 12 to 17 reported using illicit drugs, including marijuana, in the past month. This rate is higher than the national average, signaling a growing concern for local communities and policymakers. The availability of marijuana and the perception that it is less harmful than other substances may contribute to this increase.

2. Higher Marijuana Use in States with Recreational Legalization (Source)

Nine out of the top ten U.S. states by annual marijuana use among youth (ages 12-17) have legalized the drug for recreational use. Leading this list are New Mexico, Nevada, and Alaska, with 19.24%, 15.94%, and 15% of youth using marijuana, respectively. This data suggests a correlation between legalization and higher usage rates among teens.

3. Increased Marijuana Vaping Among 12th Graders (Source)

Marijuana vape use surged by 10.1% among 12th-grade students between 2017 and 2023. Just under 20% of 12th graders reported vaping marijuana in 2023. This trend reflects the growing popularity of vaping as a mode of consumption and the perception that it is a safer alternative to smoking.

4. Elevated Marijuana Use in States with Legalization (Source)

States that have legalized recreational marijuana, such as Colorado and Washington, have reported higher rates of youth marijuana use compared to the national average. These findings suggest that legalization can have unintended consequences for youth populations.

5. Persistent Marijuana Use Among High School Students (Source)

Despite overall declines in substance use, marijuana remains the most commonly used illicit drug among high school students, with significant percentages reporting use in the past year. This persistence highlights the need for targeted educational programs.

6. Increased Accessibility and Perceived Safety (Source)

The legalization of marijuana in various states has led to increased accessibility and a perception of safety among adolescents, potentially contributing to higher usage rates. Adolescents often perceive marijuana as a low-risk substance compared to alcohol or other drugs.

Decreasing Trends in Teenage Marijuana Use

1. Decline in National Teenage Marijuana Use (Source)

Nationally, marijuana use among teenagers has declined over the past decade. By 2021, only about 16% of teens reported current marijuana use, down from 23% in 2011. This decline suggests the effectiveness of prevention efforts and changing social norms around substance use.

2. Decreased Marijuana Use in States with Medical Marijuana Laws (Source)

Studies have shown that the enactment of medical marijuana laws is not associated with increased adolescent marijuana use. In some cases, these laws are linked to decreases in marijuana and other substance use among early adolescents.

3. Reduction in Marijuana Use Among Younger Adolescents (Source)

The percentage of adolescents aged 13 and 15 using marijuana dropped by 3.4 percentage points in 2020 compared to 2018 and 2019. This decline is encouraging and may reflect the impact of early intervention and education programs.

4. Stable or Decreasing Marijuana Use Post-Legalization (Source)

Research indicates that the prevalence of marijuana use among adolescents has remained steady or even decreased in some states following the legalization of recreational marijuana. This trend may be attributed to strict regulations and public health campaigns targeting youth.

5. Decreased Perception of Marijuana Availability (Source)

There has been a decline in the percentage of adolescents who report that marijuana is easy to obtain, which correlates with decreased usage rates. Restrictions on retail access and increased parental monitoring may contribute to this trend.

6. Increased Abstinence from Substance Use (Source)

In 2024, 67% of 12th graders reported abstaining from drug use, including marijuana, compared to 53% in 2017, indicating a positive trend toward reduced substance use among teens. This reflects broader changes in adolescent behavior and attitudes toward substance use.

Conclusion

The data presents a nuanced view of teenage marijuana use, with both increasing and decreasing trends observed. While certain states with recreational marijuana laws report higher youth usage rates, national surveys indicate an overall decline in adolescent marijuana use over the past decade. Some states that only allow medical marijuana sales have seen a decrease in youth usage rates. This complexity underscores the need for continued research to understand the factors influencing these trends and to develop targeted interventions that address the specific needs of adolescents in different regions and legislative environments.

The implications of these findings are far-reaching, impacting not only public health policy but also the broader conversation about substance use and legalization. Future research should explore the interplay of factors such as accessibility, societal attitudes, and public health campaigns to better understand the dynamics of teenage marijuana use.

For those in Virginia seeking access to medical marijuana in a safe and regulated manner, CannabisMD Telemed offers a seamless and professional experience. As a trusted provider, we ensure that residents can obtain their medical marijuana cards with ease, guided by knowledgeable healthcare professionals. By focusing on education and personalized care, CannabisMD Telemed supports individuals in making informed choices about their health.

FAQ

• What percent of 18 to 25 year olds are current users of illicit drugs?

  As of 2024, approximately 23% of individuals aged 18 to 25 reported using illicit drugs in the past month, according to data from national surveys. This age group consistently shows the highest rates of substance use, including marijuana, compared to other demographics.

• What is the number one drug used by teens?

  Marijuana remains the number one drug used by teens. It is widely available and often perceived as less harmful than other substances, contributing to its popularity among adolescents.

• What age group uses drugs the most?

  The 18 to 25 age group has the highest prevalence of drug use. This trend is influenced by factors such as experimentation during young adulthood, increased social exposure, and the transition to independent living.

• What is the prevalence of substance abuse among adolescents?

  Approximately 5% to 8% of adolescents aged 12 to 17 meet the criteria for substance use disorder in the United States. Marijuana is the most commonly misused substance within this demographic

• How many people in the world are addicted to drugs in 2024?

  Globally, an estimated 36 million people suffer from drug addiction in 2024. This includes individuals with substance use disorders related to a range of drugs, including opioids, marijuana, and stimulants.