Teen Marijuana Use in Colorado Dropping

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) released new data today showing that teen marijuana use has continued to decrease post legalization.

I'm not surprised. I remember when I was a teenager. We partied a lot. Too much. Back in those days, weed was easier to score than beer. It's because when criminals are in charge of the distribution, they don't care if you are of age or not. The only question is, do you have the money?

Bars don't sell alcohol to minors. Dispensaries don't sell pot to minors. Drug dealers aren't so picky. Take the distribution out of the hands of cartels and shady dealers, and things change. Voila.

The newly released CDPHE data shows that from 2011 to 2013 the rate of current marijuana use among Colorado high school students has decreased from 22% to 20%; During the same time, CDC data shows that national teen marijuana usage remained virtually unchanged (2011: 23.1, 2013: 23.4) CDC Data.  The CDPHE survey also shows that lifetime use by high school students has declined from 39 percent to 37 percent during the same two years.

Click here or look below to see the CDHPE release.

Statement from Michael Elliott, Executive Director of the the Marijuana Industry Group, on today's report from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment about teen marijuana use:

"The Marijuana Industry Group is happy to see that teen marijuana use continues to decrease since Colorado licensed and regulated cannabis businesses.

As responsible business owners, MIG members will continue to partner with state and local government entities, and other stakeholders, on teen prevention campaigns.

Our members work hard to make sure their products don't end up in the hands of those who shouldn't have it. Unlike the black market, our members don't sell to those under 21 and we talk to every customer about responsible use and storage.  

The industry pledges to remain vigilant in encouraging responsible cannabis use and preventing underage use."