Minnesota Data Proves Legalization Hasn’t Led to More Underage Use

The landscape of cannabis in Minnesota is shifting, and the latest data from the North Star State is providing a much-needed reality check for those who feared that ending prohibition would lead to a surge in underage use. According to the 2025 Minnesota Student Survey—the first conducted since adult-use legalization was signed into law by Governor Tim Walz in 2023—cannabis consumption among middle and high schoolers has actually hit a ten-year low.

In a major win for the "regulation works" argument, a staggering 96% of students reported they hadn't touched the plant in the last month. Even more impressive is the long-term trend: since 2013, self-reported yearly use among 8th, 9th, and 11th graders has plummeted by over 57%. This isn't just a local anomaly either; these results mirror what we’ve seen in other legal markets like Canada and Germany, as well as national U.S. trends. It turns out that when you replace back-alley deals with licensed dispensaries that strictly enforce ID checks and age-gating, it actually becomes harder for kids to get their hands on it.

What’s truly fascinating is the shift in perception. More students now view regular use as potentially harmful, reversing a decade-long trend of declining concern. While students still tend to overestimate how many of their peers are participating—guessing over half, when the reality is closer to 8%—the actual behavior shows a community that is becoming more responsible as the plant moves into the sunlight.

For those of us who advocate for sensible access, this is fantastic news. It proves that we can enjoy our favorite flowers and concentrates as adults without compromising the well-being of the next generation. It’s a great reminder to keep the conversation open and honest with the younger people in your life. Education and clear boundaries are far more effective than the "Reefer Madness" scares of the past. As the industry continues to mature, these statistics serve as a powerful tool to show that a regulated, transparent market is the safest path forward for everyone.