Ever cannabis use among New Jersey 18-23 year olds increased from 49% to 58% within three months of adult-use retail sales launching, with edibles and dried herb driving the largest increases.
State cannabis policy researchers, public health officials in newly legal states, and young adult health advocates.
What the researchers found
Odds of ever cannabis use were 42% higher in the post-retail period (95% CI: 32%-54%). Ever use of dried herb, edibles, drinks, and topicals all significantly increased. Past 30-day edible use rose from 9.0% to 11.8%. Concentrate, vape, and other product types did not significantly change.
Why it matters
This is one of the first studies to examine cannabis use changes specifically by product type after retail legalization. The finding that edibles drove much of the increase has implications for dosing safety and public health messaging.
The numbers in context
Ever use: 58.1% post vs 48.9% pre (p<0.01). aOR for ever use: 1.42 (95% CI: 1.32-1.54). Edibles ever use: 45.9% vs 35.6% (p<0.01). Past 30-day edibles: 11.8% vs 9.0% (p=0.01). Dried herb: 44.4% vs 38.5% (p<0.01).
How the study worked
Prospective cohort analysis of New Jersey young adults (18-23) from the PACE study. Three pre-retail waves (March-November 2021, n=1,439) compared to one post-retail wave (June-July 2022, n=1,127) using generalized estimating equations.
What this study cannot tell us
Short post-retail follow-up period (3 months). Cohort attrition from pre to post waves. Cannot distinguish new users from people who were using illicitly and now report legal use. New Jersey experience may not generalize to other states.
How to read the evidence
Prospective cohort design with pre-post comparison provides stronger evidence than cross-sectional studies, though short follow-up and attrition are limitations.
When this study was published
2025 publication with 2021-2022 data.
The bigger picture
New Jersey legalized adult-use cannabis in 2020 but retail sales did not begin until April 2022. The rapid increase in the first three months of retail availability, particularly for edibles, confirms the importance of product accessibility in driving use patterns.
Questions still open
- Will the increase plateau or continue accelerating with longer retail availability?
- Does the shift toward edibles reduce smoking-related harms?
Common questions
Why did edibles increase the most?
Does this mean legalization increases cannabis problems?
Read the original research
Relationship between an adult-use Cannabis law and Cannabis use by type in a cohort of New Jersey young adults.
Preventive medicine, 198, 108354
Citation
Glasser, Allison M; Villanti, Andrea C; Gundersen, Daniel A; Schroth, Kevin R J; Hrywna, Mary. (2025). Relationship between an adult-use Cannabis law and Cannabis use by type in a cohort of New Jersey young adults.. Preventive medicine, 198, 108354. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2025.108354