Among New Zealand 14-15-year-olds, lifetime cannabis use decreased from 2012-2018 but regular use remained stable, with 24% of past-month users vaping cannabis and use highest among Maori, LGBTQ+ youth, and students in high-deprivation schools.
Youth substance use prevention professionals and policymakers
24% of teen users vaping cannabis
What the researchers found
Lifetime cannabis use declined from 2012-2018, but past-month (8.6%), weekly (3.4%), and daily (1.5%) use remained stable. Cannabis vaping was reported by 24% of past-month users. Use of both modes was elevated among Maori, same/both-sex attracted students, and those in high-deprivation schools. Cannabis use was strongly associated with tobacco and alcohol use. Exposure to secondhand smoke at home and low parental monitoring were key correlates.
Why it matters
Cannabis vaping is a new mode of use among young people with unknown health consequences. The strong socioeconomic gradients in early-onset cannabis use highlight that drug prevention must address structural inequities, not just individual choices.
The numbers in context
11,405 students aged 14-15; past-month use 8.6%; weekly 3.4%; daily 1.5%; 24% of users vaped cannabis; elevated use in Maori, LGBTQ+, and high-deprivation school students; lifetime use declining; regular use stable
How the study worked
Repeat cross-sectional nationally representative surveys (2012-2018) of 11,405 students aged 14-15 in New Zealand, response rates 59-65%. Measured cannabis smoking and vaping frequency, demographic correlates, and associated risk factors.
What this study cannot tell us
Self-reported data may underestimate use. Response rates declined over time (65% to 59%). Cross-sectional design cannot establish causation for correlates. New Zealand context may not generalize. Cannabis vaping questions were only available in later survey years.
How to read the evidence
Nationally representative repeated cross-sectional surveys with large sample, though self-reported and declining response rates
When this study was published
2023 study
The bigger picture
The emergence of cannabis vaping among 14-15-year-olds represents a new public health challenge. Combined with persistent disparities, this suggests prevention efforts need both technological awareness (vaping) and structural approaches (addressing poverty, discrimination).
Questions still open
- Is cannabis vaping replacing smoking among teens or adding a new route of use? Would reducing socioeconomic disparities reduce cannabis use disparities? How do health effects of cannabis vaping compare to smoking in this age group?
Common questions
Are teens vaping cannabis now?
Which teens are most likely to use cannabis?
Read the original research
Early-onset smoking and vaping of cannabis: Prevalence, correlates and trends in New Zealand 14-15-year-olds.
Drug and alcohol review, 42(3), 592-603
Citation
Ball, Jude; Zhang, Jane; Stanley, James; Boden, Joseph; Waa, Andrew; Hammond, David; Edwards, Richard. (2023). Early-onset smoking and vaping of cannabis: Prevalence, correlates and trends in New Zealand 14-15-year-olds.. Drug and alcohol review, 42(3), 592-603. https://doi.org/10.1111/dar.13597
Explore the wider topic
- How to Talk to Your Teenager About Weed (Without Losing Them)
- My Kid's Friends Smoke Weed: A Parent's Guide
- I Smoke Weed But Don't Want My Kids To: Navigating the Hypocrisy
- Quitting Weed as a Parent: Why It Is the Hardest and Most Important Quit
- Quitting Weed as a Teen or Young Adult
- My Kid Is Smoking Weed: A Parent's Guide