The research, one of the largest looks yet at adolescent treatment access for cannabis use disorder specifically, arrives as federal officials weigh whether to reclassify marijuana, a debate that researchers say will do little to fix the wait times teens are already facing.
What the Study Found
Researchers led by Panagiota Kitsantas analyzed more than 124,000 adolescent admissions to publicly funded substance use treatment facilities between 2012 and 2022.
The study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, found that after several years of decline, the share of adolescents facing admission delays increased sharply between 2018 and 2022.
By 2022, nearly 34% of adolescents ages 12 to 17 seeking addiction treatment for cannabis use disorder experienced a delay, defined as anywhere from several days to more than a month after their initial assessment. About 11% of adolescents who use cannabis develop a use disorder within a year, the study noted.
Who Is Most Affected
The data point to uneven access. Male adolescents had 11% higher odds of experiencing a delay than female adolescents.
While teens ages 15 to 17 accounted for most treatment admissions overall, the rise in wait times between 2018 and 2022 was more pronounced among younger adolescents ages 12 to 14, a group that may be less equipped to manage a prolonged wait for care.
Race and ethnicity also played a role. Non-Hispanic white adolescents had 29% higher odds of experiencing a delay compared with Hispanic adolescents, while Black, Asian, and American Indian or Alaska Native youth had lower odds of delay than their Hispanic peers.
Researchers also found that teens referred through health care systems were more likely to face delays than those who self-referred, suggesting the path a teen takes into care can matter as much as the substance use itself.
Why Rescheduling Won’t Solve the Wait
Federal officials are currently considering whether to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act.
That shift could ease research restrictions on cannabis, but it would not address the local capacity shortages driving the delays documented in this study.
States are also grappling separately with how to regulate increasingly potent cannabis products, a factor researchers say compounds the risk of cannabis use disorder in young people.
Kitsantas said the goal of the research is to draw attention to a preventable problem. “I hope this research draws attention to the growing and preventable problem of delayed treatment for adolescents with cannabis use disorder,” she said.
“Ultimately, the goal is to promote timely access to treatment and improve long-term outcomes for adolescents while easing the broader public health burden of substance use.”
What This Means for Treatment Seekers
For parents and caregivers, the study is a reminder that recognizing a problem early does not guarantee fast access to care.
Waiting lists at publicly funded facilities can stretch from days into months, and that gap can be dangerous for a teen already struggling with dependence.
Families researching options should ask providers directly about current wait times and whether interim support, such as outpatient therapy, is available while a teen waits for an opening in a more intensive program.
Finding the Right Rehab
If your teen is showing signs of cannabis use disorder, don’t wait for a crisis to start researching options. Compare adolescent-specific rehab centers in your area, ask directly about current admission timelines, and confirm what levels of care, such as outpatient counseling or intensive outpatient programs, are available while your family waits for a placement.
Understanding your insurance coverage for addiction treatment ahead of time can also help you move faster once a bed becomes available. Rehab.com’s directory includes verified treatment centers with adolescent programs. Call
800-985-8516
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to speak with a treatment advisor about options near you.
