DENVER, COLORADO– Healthy Kids Colorado Survey (HKCS) data released today indicate slight declines in youth marijuana use, yet One Chance to Grow Up, a Colorado-based youth prevention nonprofit, cautions about emerging risks to kids from high-potency THC vapes and other concentrates, as well as ‘gas station drugs.’

The biannual survey of middle and high school students, conducted in schools statewide, offers a temperature check on issues affecting teens.

In the survey, 13% of teens who used a tobacco product (including flavored vaporizers and nicotine pouches) reported purchasing these items in gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Risky emerging intoxicants like hemp-derived THC and kratom can also be found without age gates or safeguards at gas stations and other stores.

The proliferation of intoxicating substances sold in these retail settings puts kids at risk. Monitoring how emerging intoxicants like kratom are accessed and used by youth will be key for future HKCS surveys. One Chance to Grow Up has successfully advocated to close a federal loophole that allowed hemp-derived THC products nationally.

The percentages of youth who perceived harm from marijuana use increased from previous years, suggesting that long-term prevention and education approaches are making headway. 78% of high schoolers stated that they think it is wrong for someone their age to use marijuana– a 7-point increase from 71% in 2023. Additionally, 92% of this same group believe their parents or guardians feel it would be wrong if they used marijuana, an increase from 90% in 2023. These views, known as protective factors, are associated with lower use rates.

“We remain concerned about youth access to intoxicating substances in everyday locations like gas stations, as indicated in the 2025 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey results,” said Henny Lasley, Executive Director of One Chance to Grow Up. “The levels of youth who report their parents and guardians would disapprove if they used marijuana is a key indicator that parental education on this topic is working and is key for prevention. While this is promising, as are the slightly decreased levels of youth marijuana use, we must remain vigilant about emerging threats from ‘gas station drugs,’ including hemp-derived THC products and kratom, and the continued risks of THC concentrates, which can harm the developing brain.”

###