Research & Resources

In this study researchers examined the associations between recreational cannabis legalization and changes in cannabis and alcohol use outcomes among young adults including differences by college enrollment and minor status (ages 18–20 vs 21–23 years). Repeated cross-sectional data (2008–2019) were collected from college-eligible participants aged 18–23 years in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. During this time period prevalence increased from before to after recreational cannabis legalization for past-month cannabis use (from 21% to 25%) and past-year proxy cannabis use disorder (from 11% to 13%); the increases were statistically significant. Increases were detected for young adults who were not in college and who were aged 21–23 years. Recreational cannabis legalization impacts were not detected for secondary outcomes. Some young adults appear sensitive to state recreational cannabis legalization, including in terms of cannabis use disorder risk. Additional prevention efforts should be directed to young adults who are not in college and timed to occur before age 21 years.

This paper, “Cannabis and Alcohol Use by U.S. Young Adults, 2008-2019: Changes in Prevalence After Recreational Cannabis Legalization,” was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and published in the journal American journal of preventive medicine.