A meta-analysis of 220,362 adolescents across 47 countries found 7% overall cannabis prevalence, with boys at 9.2% vs. girls at 4.2%, and Latin America showing the highest rates.
global health researchers, youth prevention policymakers, WHO officials, epidemiologists
What the researchers found
Global cannabis use prevalence was 7.02% (95% CI 6.16-7.89). Boys: 9.20% vs. girls: 4.20%. Americas had highest cannabis prevalence (11.31%). Africa had highest amphetamine use (4.34%). High-income countries: 9.45% cannabis prevalence vs. low-income: 3.46%. Higher rates associated with higher homicide rates, better sanitation, and higher health expenditures.
Why it matters
This is one of the most comprehensive global assessments of adolescent cannabis use, filling a critical gap in data from low- and middle-income countries that have been underrepresented in previous research.
The numbers in context
220,362 adolescents across 47 countries. Overall cannabis: 7.02%. Boys: 9.20%, Girls: 4.20%. Americas: 11.31%. High-income: 9.45%. Low-income: 3.46%. Amphetamine: 4.05%. Africa highest amphetamine: 4.34%.
How the study worked
Meta-analysis using Global School-based Student Health Survey data from 47 countries (2009-2018). 220,362 adolescents aged 12-15. Random-effects models estimated prevalence. Stratification by sex, World Bank income category, region, and country characteristics.
What this study cannot tell us
School-based surveys miss out-of-school adolescents. Self-reported use may underestimate prevalence. Data from 2009-2018, so more recent trends are not captured. Aggregating across diverse countries may mask important within-country variation.
How to read the evidence
Large-scale meta-analysis across 47 countries with WHO-standardized methodology warrants strong evidence classification.
When this study was published
Data from Global School-based Student Health Survey, 2009-2018.
The bigger picture
The finding that cannabis use is more common than amphetamine use globally, and that rates track with national income levels, suggests that cannabis availability increases alongside economic development, creating a global prevention challenge.
Questions still open
- Have global adolescent cannabis rates changed since 2018?
- What explains the association between higher national income and higher cannabis use?
Common questions
How common is teen cannabis use worldwide?
Where is teen cannabis use highest?
Read the original research
Global prevalence of cannabis and amphetamine/methamphetamine use among adolescents in 47 countries: a population-based study from WHO database.
World journal of pediatrics : WJP, 21(3), 291-305
Citation
Son, Yejun; Hong, Seohyun; Yim, Yesol; Kim, Soeun; Lee, Hojae; Lee, Kyeongmin; Kim, Hyeon Jin; Jo, Hyesu; Park, Jaeyu; Oh, Jiyeon; Lee, Sooji; Lee, Hayeon; Nehs, Christa J; Smith, Lee; Yon, Dong Keon; Kang, Jiseung. (2025). Global prevalence of cannabis and amphetamine/methamphetamine use among adolescents in 47 countries: a population-based study from WHO database.. World journal of pediatrics : WJP, 21(3), 291-305. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12519-025-00883-w
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