In a surprising twist that’s somehow flown under the radar, new national data shows a massive decline in marijuana use among America’s youth. Yes, you read that right – Gen Z might just be saying “no” to drugs, even as adults light up more than ever. According to recent survey data, youth marijuana use has dropped from a peak of 23.1% in 2011 to just 15.8% in 2021. For those keeping track, that’s a 30% decrease. So where’s the fanfare? Where’s the acknowledgment that maybe – just maybe – today’s teenagers are making better choices?

But of course, we’re not hearing about this trend from the same media that loves to spotlight studies showing rising adult marijuana use as some kind of cultural enlightenment. And let’s not forget, we live in a country where weed is becoming legal in state after state. This shift begs the question: why are young people pulling back from marijuana use even as it’s being touted as the new norm?

One explanation could be that today’s teens are simply more health-conscious. They’re growing up in a time where health and wellness trends dominate social media, and they’ve seen firsthand the downsides of addiction through the opioid crisis. Watching adults get caught in a cycle of dependency might be making them think twice before lighting up themselves.

Then there’s the fact that Gen Z has witnessed the negative effects of legalization – from reports of increased addiction in states where marijuana is legal to rising incidences of drugged driving. The glamour surrounding cannabis is fading, and perhaps young people are the first to realize that the consequences aren’t worth the buzz.

Interestingly, the CDC also reports that vaping rates have dipped among teens, signaling an overall shift away from substances. Theories range from improved education on the health risks to a stronger social stigma against smoking. In a culture that promotes “clean living” through fitness, mental health awareness, and even “sober curious” movements, it’s possible that today’s youth are opting for natural highs.

This news also poses a question to policymakers who pushed legalization on the basis of “regulating and educating” the public on safe marijuana use. If young people are choosing to avoid marijuana despite it being more accessible, perhaps the idea of “normalizing” drug use was misguided to begin with. For parents, it’s a breath of fresh air – proof that their children are actually listening to the warnings.

As the data shows, perhaps there’s still hope for the next generation, despite a culture that has spent years glorifying marijuana use. For now, it seems Gen Z might be more conservative than the adults around them – something the media might find hard to believe.