Analysis of national survey data found that 11.4% of U.S. adolescents ages 12-17 use cannabis, with higher use linked to more missed school days and lower academic performance.
Parents, school administrators, adolescent health providers
1 in 6 adolescents who try marijuana develop a use disorder
What the researchers found
The pooled prevalence of cannabis use among adolescents ages 12-17 was 11.4% (95% CI: 10.70-12.20%). Cannabis use was slightly more common among females than males and among white, Hispanic, and Black adolescents. Higher marijuana use correlated with more skipped classes and lower grades. About 1 in 6 adolescents who try marijuana develop a use disorder.
Why it matters
With increasing THC potency and greater accessibility through legalization, understanding adolescent cannabis use patterns and their academic consequences is essential for prevention efforts.
The numbers in context
11.4% prevalence (95% CI: 10.70-12.20%); slightly higher in females; 1 in 10 users overall develop use disorder; 1 in 6 teen users develop addiction; higher use linked to more class skipping and lower grades
How the study worked
Analysis of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data, with age restricted to 12-17 year-olds. Compared cannabis users to non-users across gender, race, school attendance, and academic performance.
What this study cannot tell us
Cross-sectional design cannot establish whether cannabis causes academic problems or if other factors drive both. Self-reported data may undercount use. NSDUH methodology changes over time could affect prevalence estimates.
How to read the evidence
Moderate: nationally representative survey data with large sample, but cross-sectional design and self-reported measures.
When this study was published
2026 publication using NSDUH survey data.
The bigger picture
This adds to the evidence that adolescent cannabis use correlates with academic difficulties. The finding that 1 in 6 adolescent users may develop a use disorder is higher than the adult rate, consistent with the developmental vulnerability of the adolescent brain.
Questions still open
- Does the relationship between cannabis use and academic performance persist after controlling for socioeconomic factors? Are there differences in outcomes by frequency or potency of use? Would school-based screening reduce the 1-in-6 rate of teen cannabis use disorder?
Common questions
How common is marijuana use among U.S. teens?
Does teen marijuana use affect school performance?
Read the original research
The perils of marijuana use in adolescents.
Journal of addictive diseases, 1-6
Citation
Ward, Savitra; Konda, Sanjana; Zhao, Daniel Zongliang; Ganti, Latha. (2026). The perils of marijuana use in adolescents.. Journal of addictive diseases, 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1080/10550887.2025.2589700
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