Over 90% of underage young adults who used cannabis perceived easy access, and most used multiple product types

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.