Cannabis Legalization Linked to Rising Use Among Previously Low-Consumption U.S. Demographics

Recreational cannabis legalization in the U.S. is reshaping who uses marijuana, with previously low-consumption demographics—older adults, women, and college-educated individuals—now showing the most significant increases in use.

A study led by Boston College’s Summer Sherburne Hawkins found that legalization correlates with rising cannabis use among adults historically less likely to consume it.

Analyzing data from 859,600 respondents across 38 states via the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) from 2016 to 2023, the research revealed a 1 percentage point increase in use post-legalization—a 10% relative rise from 2016 levels.

Specific groups, including older adults, women, white individuals, and college-educated populations, saw 15% to 37% relative increases.

Summer Sherburne Hawkins said:

"Demographic groups with lower levels of cannabis use—adults who were older, female, white, or college-educated—have increased their likelihood of use the most following legalization."

The study emphasizes the need for public health outreach to address these shifts. Hawkins added:

"Our findings highlight that recreational cannabis legalization should be coupled with broad public health outreach and awareness, including health education campaigns and initiatives to increase health literacy around cannabis."

No independent expert commentary was included in the source.

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