The latest survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has just hit the shelves, and boy, does it have some juicy insights. This bad boy takes a deep dive into the trends of marijuana use among high school students over the past ten years. With the legalization of cannabis spreading like wildfire across the country, this data is like a treasure trove of information on the real effects of these policy changes on the youngins. And let me tell you, there are some eye-opening findings in this bad boy.
First and foremost, let’s talk numbers. The report reveals a significant decrease in the number of high school students using marijuana in the past month. Back in 2013, a whopping 23% of students surveyed admitted to lighting up within the past month. But fast forward to 2019, and that number has dropped to a mere 14%. That’s a pretty significant decline, my friends.
But wait, there’s more. The report also breaks down the data by state, and the results are even more intriguing. In states where marijuana is legal for recreational use, the past-month use among high school students has remained relatively stable. However, in states where cannabis is still illegal, there has been a noticeable decrease in usage. This suggests that legalization may not be the driving force behind the decline in youth consumption.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But what about the long-term effects of marijuana use on young minds?” Well, the report has got you covered there too. It found that the percentage of high school students who reported using marijuana 20 or more times in the past month has also decreased. In 2013, 8% of students fell into this category, but in 2019, that number has dropped to 5%. So not only are fewer students using marijuana, but those who do are using it less frequently.
So there you have it, folks. The CDC’s latest survey offers a fascinating glimpse into the ever-changing landscape of marijuana use among high school students. And while there is still much to be studied and understood about the effects of cannabis on young minds, this data provides some valuable insights into the actual impact of legalization on youth consumption.
