Among underage US young adults in the Monitoring the Future Panel study, 95% of past-year cannabis users perceived easy access to smoking products, and 63.5% of users reported multiple modes of consumption.
Policymakers evaluating age-based cannabis restrictions, prevention specialists, and researchers studying cannabis accessibility.
95% of underage users perceived easy access; 63.5% used multiple products
What the researchers found
Among all respondents, 30.7% reported smoking, 19.7% vaping, 18.2% edibles, 10.4% dabbing, and 2.8% drinking cannabis. Among users, 63.5% used multiple modalities. Of past-year users, 95.0% perceived easy access to smoking products, 91.3% to vaping, and 86.7% to edibles. State recreational policy was associated with easier perceived access among non-users.
Why it matters
Despite age-based purchase restrictions, nearly all underage young adult cannabis users report easy access. The high prevalence of multi-modality use suggests prevention messaging needs to address the full range of cannabis products, not just smoking.
The numbers in context
3,075 participants (52.9% female). 23.3% used multiple modalities. Smoking: 30.7%, vaping: 19.7%, edibles: 18.2%, dabbing: 10.4%, drinking: 2.8%. Among users: 95.0% easy access to smoking, 91.3% vaping, 86.7% edibles. Among non-users: 77.5% perceived easy smoking access.
How the study worked
Data from adults under 21 in the Monitoring the Future Panel study (2019-2023). Cannabis use prevalence measured by modality (n=3,075). Perceived accessibility assessed for smoking, vaping, and edibles (n=1,227). Logistic regression examined associations with state policy and demographics.
What this study cannot tell us
Self-reported data from a panel study. Perceived accessibility may not equal actual accessibility. Sample limited to panel participants who were originally surveyed in high school. Data from 2019-2023 spans the pandemic period.
How to read the evidence
Moderate: national panel data with appropriate statistical methods, but limited by self-report and panel attrition considerations.
When this study was published
Published 2026. Data from 2019-2023.
The bigger picture
This study reveals that age-based cannabis purchase restrictions are not effective barriers to access. Even among non-users, over 70% perceive cannabis as easily accessible, suggesting that social sources and informal markets remain robust despite regulated retail.
Questions still open
- Where are underage young adults obtaining cannabis? Does perceived accessibility predict future initiation among non-users? Would stricter enforcement of age restrictions reduce perceived access?
Common questions
Can underage young adults easily get cannabis?
How many products do young cannabis users consume?
Read the original research
Patterns of Cannabis Use and Perceived Accessibility Among Underage U.S. Young Adults: Implications for Policy and Prevention.
Journal of studies on alcohol and drugs, 87(1), 154-163
Citation
Terry-McElrath, Yvonne M; Pang, Yuk C; Patrick, Megan E. (2026). Patterns of Cannabis Use and Perceived Accessibility Among Underage U.S. Young Adults: Implications for Policy and Prevention.. Journal of studies on alcohol and drugs, 87(1), 154-163. https://doi.org/10.15288/jsad.25-00026
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