Tax & FinanceColorado-Jun 19, 2026

Fewer Colorado Teens Are Using Marijuana Now Than Before Legalization, State Study Shows, Refuting Opponents' Core Argument

Key Takeaway

Rates of marijuana use among Colorado teens continued to decline in 2025-and youth are also reporting significantly lower levels of access to cannabis-according to a biennial survey from state health officials. The findings from the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey (HKCS) seem to support a longstanding argument from reform advocates who've maintained that regulating marijuana sales

What This Means for Cannabis Businesses

Tax developments like this directly impact the bottom line for every cannabis operator. With Section 280E creating effective tax rates above 70% for many businesses, any shift in federal tax policy - whether through rescheduling, court rulings, or IRS guidance - can mean the difference between profitability and closure. Cannabis business owners should work closely with a specialized CPA to understand how these changes affect their specific situation.

Colorado Cannabis Market Overview

Colorado was one of the first states to legalize recreational cannabis in 2012. The state has a mature market with robust testing and compliance requirements. The state has approximately 3,000 active cannabis licenses and 7 licensed testing laboratories. There are 49 cannabis professionals serving Colorado businesses on our directory, including CPAs, attorneys, and compliance consultants.

This analysis is based on reporting by Marijuana Moment. Read the original article. CannaBizGuide provides original commentary and analysis - this is not legal or tax advice.