The rate of current marijuana use among Colorado teens continues to decline since the state legalized cannabis for adults, and it remains lower than the national average, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s biannual Healthy Kids Colorado Survey.

Results from the most recent survey, which was conducted in 2023, are now available via the HKCS Interactive Dashboard. It found 12.8% of high school students in Colorado reported using cannabis in the past 30 days, down from 13.3% in 2021. This represents a nearly 42% decrease since 2011 (22%), the year preceding Colorado voters’ approval of Amendment 64, which legalized cannabis for adults 21 and older. Nationwide, 16% of high school students report using cannabis in the past 30 days, according to the latest results of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which are compiled by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

The 2023 HKCS found just over 40% of Colorado high school students reported it would be “sort of easy or very easy to get marijuana if they wanted,” which is 26% lower than in 2013 (54.9%), the year preceding the commencement of legal adult cannabis sales in the state. The survey also found a record high 70.2% of high school students think it would be wrong for someone their age to use marijuana, up from about 60% in 2011 and 2013.

Statement from Chuck Smith, president of the board of directors for Colorado Leads:

“We are extremely pleased to see the rate of current cannabis use among Colorado high school students continues to decline and remains lower than the national average. Significantly fewer high school students report cannabis is easy to get today compared to the years preceding legal adult sales, which suggests our system is working as intended with regard to preventing youth access. Colorado continues to be proof that regulating cannabis works.

While these latest figures are promising, we recognize we must remain vigilant and continue to work with regulators and other stakeholders to maintain this promising trend. Colorado’s legal cannabis industry is committed to preventing youth access, which is reflected in its exceptionally high compliance rates for checking IDs and refusing sales to minors.”

About Colorado Leads

Colorado Leads is an alliance of cannabis business leaders created to educate the public and policymakers about the importance of a vibrant safe and sensibly regulated cannabis industry and its economic contributions. It comprises licensed operators and ancillary businesses that recognize a sustainable cannabis business climate and responsible cannabis industry are critical to the state’s economy and the wellbeing of local communities. For more information, visit https://coleads.org.