Adolescent Marijuana Use Declined by Over 50% in the 1980s, Drug Policy Expert Highlights Trend

Adolescent marijuana use saw a significant reduction during the 1980s, a trend recently underscored by drug policy expert Kevin Sabet. In a social media post, Sabet highlighted this historical data, stating, "May I remind you that adolescent marijuana use was plummeting in the 80s!" He then added a sarcastic observation, "So we can thank MTV for this, naturally."

According to national surveys such as the Monitoring the Future study, past-year marijuana use among 12th graders peaked at 50.8% in 1979 before declining steadily through the 1980s and early 1990s, reaching a low of 21.9% by 1992. This substantial decrease of over 50% reflects a period of shifting societal attitudes and increased awareness regarding substance use among youth.

Kevin Sabet, who previously served as a senior drug policy advisor to the Obama administration, is the President and CEO of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM). His organization advocates for a public health-first approach to drug policy, emphasizing prevention and treatment over commercial legalization. Sabet frequently voices concerns about the potential public health consequences of widespread marijuana access, particularly for young people.

MTV, which launched in 1981, became a dominant cultural force throughout the decade, profoundly influencing youth culture, music, and fashion. While its impact on adolescent lifestyles was undeniable, Sabet's attribution of the decline in marijuana use to the music channel was clearly satirical. The reduction in youth drug use during this era is more broadly linked to a confluence of factors.

These factors included intensified anti-drug campaigns like Nancy Reagan's "Just Say No" initiative, increased public awareness of health risks, and evolving social norms that fostered greater disapproval of drug use. The complex interplay of these educational, social, and policy efforts contributed to the significant drop in adolescent marijuana consumption observed during the 1980s.