Federal Officials Acknowledge Teen Cannabis Use Stayed Stable Despite Legalization

The latest federal data from the Monitoring the Future survey just dropped, and it’s a major win for the "legalize and regulate" movement. Despite the spread of legal adult-use markets across the country, teen marijuana use remained stable in 2025. In fact, past-year use for 12th graders hit its lowest point since 1992. This consistently debunks the old-school prohibitionist fear that legalizing weed would cause a surge in underage consumption. Instead, we’re seeing that age-gated dispensaries and strict ID checks are actually doing their job, keeping the stash away from kids far better than the street corner ever could.

This is huge for our community because it proves that we can enjoy our plant responsibly while still protecting the next generation. For tokers, this data is powerful ammunition against outdated stigmas and helps clear the path for further reform. It shows that as the industry matures, we’re creating a safer, more transparent environment for everyone. Steady youth rates mean we can keep pushing for accessibility without the "think of the children" narrative holding us back.