Comparing young cannabis users before and after California's legalization, overall frequency did not increase, but edible consumption rose significantly.
Cannabis policy researchers, youth health advocates, public health officials.
Cannabis use frequency unchanged post-legalization; only edible use increased
What the researchers found
Frequency of cannabis use (days or hits per day) did not significantly differ between cohorts. Edible use increased post-legalization. Medical patients reported more medical use, more concentrate use, and perceived cannabis as more addictive.
Why it matters
For 18-20 year olds who cannot legally purchase recreational cannabis, legalization did not drive increased consumption, challenging assumptions about normalization effects.
The numbers in context
Pre-AUL: n=172. Post-AUL: n=139. Use frequency unchanged. Edible use increased. Medical patients had more concentrate use and perceived addiction risk.
How the study worked
Two cohorts of 18-20 year old cannabis users in LA: pre-legalization (2014-15, n=172) and post-legalization (2019-20, n=139), assessed for 90-day use.
What this study cannot tell us
Different cohorts, not longitudinal. Small samples. LA-specific. Only existing cannabis users studied.
How to read the evidence
Repeat cross-sectional with similar methods, but different cohorts and small samples limit conclusions.
When this study was published
Published in 2025, data 2014-15 and 2019-20.
The bigger picture
The shift toward edibles reflects changing product availability rather than increased overall consumption.
Questions still open
- Has edible use continued rising? Do these patterns hold for cannabis-naive young adults?
Common questions
Did legalization increase cannabis use among young adults?
Were medical patients different?
Read the original research
Pre-Post Cannabis Legalization for Adult Use: A Trend Study of Two Cohorts of Young Adult Cannabis Users in Los Angeles.
Journal of psychoactive drugs, 57(1), 99-109
Citation
Fedorova, Ekaterina V; Mitchel, Allison; Finkelstein, Maddy; Ataiants, Janna; Wong, Carolyn F; Conn, Bridgid M; Lankenau, Stephen E. (2025). Pre-Post Cannabis Legalization for Adult Use: A Trend Study of Two Cohorts of Young Adult Cannabis Users in Los Angeles.. Journal of psychoactive drugs, 57(1), 99-109. https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2023.2282515