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Teen Cannabis Use Rises After California Legalization
Study finds adolescent cannabis use increased following state's legalization of adult recreational use.
Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:02am
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The legalization of adult recreational cannabis in California has coincided with a rise in teen cannabis use, highlighting the need for close policy monitoring.Oakland TodayA new study from Kaiser Permanente found that teen cannabis use in Northern California increased after the state legalized adult recreational marijuana, but later declined during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research analyzed 1.3 million well-child visits among Kaiser patients aged 13 to 17 between 2011 and 2024, showing cannabis use rates rose from 6.8% in 2016 to 9.5% in 2018 as retail sales were implemented, likely due to shifting social perceptions and greater access.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that changes in social norms and perceptions around cannabis use, as well as increased availability and lower prices, may have played a role in shaping teen behavior following legalization. Additional research is needed to better understand how local cannabis policies impact adolescent use.
The details
The study analyzed confidential screening questionnaires completed by adolescents at well-child visits, which showed cannabis use had been declining prior to legalization, from 10.4% reporting past-year use in 2011 to 6.8% in 2016. But after legalization was passed, rates began increasing, reaching 8.1% in 2017 and 9.5% in 2018, as retail sales were implemented. The authors believe adolescents may have viewed cannabis as more socially acceptable and less risky, alongside increased availability, lower prices, and the rise of vaping products.
- Cannabis use among teens had been steadily declining from 2011 to 2016.
- In 2016, California voters approved recreational cannabis legalization.
- After legalization, teen cannabis use rates began increasing, reaching 8.1% in 2017 and 9.5% in 2018.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, teen cannabis use declined, likely due to reduced social interaction, increased parental supervision, and decreased access to substances.
The players
Kelly Young-Wolff
A research scientist with the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research and the lead author of the study.
Kaiser Permanente
A large integrated health care system that conducted the research on teen cannabis use in Northern California.
What they’re saying
“We saw adolescent cannabis use begin to rise after legalization was passed and before retail sales began. This suggests that changes in social norms and perceptions may play an important role in shaping teen behavior.”
— Kelly Young-Wolff, Research Scientist, Kaiser Permanente Division of Research
What’s next
Additional studies are needed to better understand how local cannabis policies, including retail access and advertising, affect adolescent cannabis use following state legalization.
The takeaway
The study highlights the complex relationship between cannabis legalization and teen substance use, with shifting social perceptions and increased availability potentially contributing to a rise in adolescent cannabis use, even as use declined during the pandemic. Policymakers will need to closely monitor the impacts of legalization on youth behavior.
