The conversation around cannabis has shifted dramatically in the last decade. What was once an underground market is now legal for adults in many states, available in stores that look more like Apple than a headshop. But with legalization comes a new challenge: how to protect young people from potential harms. Public health agencies like the CDC, state health departments, and even local coalitions are raising their voices to make sure families, schools, and communities understand what’s at stake.
Teens and Cannabis: The Numbers
Cannabis continues to be one of the most widely used substances among young people in the U.S. Surveys show that nearly one in three high school seniors tried cannabis in the past year, and daily use among teens—though lower—remains a real concern. Vaping is also changing the picture. Sleek, discreet devices make cannabis easier to hide from parents and teachers, and CDC data show a steady rise in cannabis vaping among both 10th and 12th graders.
That said, it’s not all one-directional. In Washington State, for instance, youth use rates actually dropped over a ten-year span. This tells us that local prevention efforts and strong community partnerships can make a difference.
Why Agencies Are Concerned
The science is fairly clear: cannabis can affect the developing brain. The CDC warns that regular use in adolescence can impact memory, learning, and decision-making—skills that are critical during the teenage years. Public health officials also point to a higher risk of cannabis use disorder for those who start early and potential links between heavy use and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis.
Another serious concern is impaired driving. Teens already face higher risks behind the wheel, and adding cannabis to the mix increases the chance of accidents. For parents and guardians, this is an area where public health messaging overlaps with road safety campaigns.
What’s Being Done
Public health agencies aren’t just sounding alarms—they’re taking action. Here’s what’s happening on the ground:
- Data collection and research: Agencies track youth behaviors through tools like the Youth Risk Behavior Survey. This helps identify trends and hotspots where more resources are needed.
- Community prevention programs: States like California have rolled out youth-focused initiatives that provide funding for local campaigns, school education, and prevention toolkits.
- Policy recommendations: Groups such as the American Public Health Association encourage states to regulate cannabis like alcohol or tobacco, with strict marketing and age-limit rules to keep products out of kids’ hands.
- Education campaigns: Fact sheets, teen-friendly websites, and social media campaigns are designed to communicate directly with young people in a way that feels relatable, not preachy.
The Bigger Picture
It’s worth noting that legalization hasn’t led to a uniform spike in teen use across the country. In fact, many studies suggest youth rates hold steady—or even dip—after states open regulated markets. Why? One reason may be that licensed dispensaries have strict ID requirements, while the illicit market never did. Still, public health experts stress that this doesn’t mean we can relax. The risks for young people remain, especially as products get stronger and more diverse.
Final Takeaway
Public health agencies are sending a consistent message: cannabis use carries real risks for young people, and prevention matters. For families, that means starting conversations early, paying attention to shifts in behavior, and leaning on resources from schools and health departments. For communities, it means supporting evidence-based prevention programs and making sure policy decisions put youth health first.
The bottom line? Legalization may be here, but protecting the next generation is a responsibility we all share.
