A new study conducted at the University of Washington suggests that young adults in Washington State may be reducing their cannabis use earlier than in years past, despite increased legalization and availability.
Analyzing data from 15,371 individuals ages 18 to 25 collected across a seven-year period, researchers found that cannabis use peaked at ages 21 to 22 and declined among those aged 23 to 25—a shift from earlier studies that showed more gradual decreases into later adulthood. The findings, published in the journal Prevention Science, indicate a potential trend of “maturing out” of cannabis use by the mid-20s, especially in more recent birth cohorts.
While alcohol use remains high in this age group, the study also found changes in patterns of heavy episodic drinking (HED) and frequent alcohol consumption, with birth cohort influencing the prevalence and frequency of use. Researchers observed that risky alcohol use continues to show signs of tapering off with age, aligning with previous trends.
Washington legalized cannabis in 2012, tying Colorado as the first state to do so. The first licensed cannabis store opened in 2014. In 2024, the state’s marijuana market generated over $1.1 billion in sales.
