Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States by youth and teens, as well as adults. Recent public discussions about medical marijuana and the public debate over the drug’s legal status are leading to a reduced perception of harm among young people. In addition, some youth and teens believe marijuana cannot be harmful because it is “natural.” But, as noted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens, not all natural plant substances are good for you— tobacco, cocaine, and heroin also come from plants and they are harmful just as well.
Teen Marijuana Use
Did You Know? - Teen Marijuana Use Steady Over 20 Years
Youth Marijuana Use Statistics in the U.S.
According to the 2016 Monitoring the Future Study, from 1996 to 2016, past-month marijuana use was mostly steady among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders nationwide.
In 2016, past-month marijuana use for each grade was:
0
%
12th Graders
0
%
10th Graders
0
%
8th Graders
Teen Marijuana Use Statistics in Maryland
According to the CDC’s 2015 High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey results, marijuana use among youth in Maryland is as follows:
0
%
High school students have ever used marijuana (one or more times during their life)
0
%
High school students tried marijuana before age 13 years (for the first time)
0
%
9% of high school students have ever used synthetic marijuana (also called K2, Spice, fake weed, King Kong, Yucatan Fire, Skunk, or Moon Rocks, one or more times during their life)
0
%
High school students currently used marijuana (one or more times during the 30 days before the survey)
Is Marijuana Addictive?
Yes, marijuana can be addictive. Someone who regularly uses marijuana may continue to use it despite negative consequences in their life.
Approximately 10% of marijuana users may develop what is called a marijuana use disorder— which may cause problems with their health, school performance, friendships, family or other conflicts in their life. A serious substance use disorder is commonly called an addiction.
For example, when a person can’t stop using marijuana even though it gets in the way of their daily life activities. Youth who begin using marijuana before the age of 18 are 4 –7 times more likely than adults to develop a marijuana use disorder.
What causes one person to become addicted to marijuana while another does not depends on many factors—including their family history (genetics), the age they start using, whether they also use other drugs, their family and peer relationships, and whether they take part in positive activities like school or sports (environment).
Learn & Prevent
Make The Pledge!
Take a stand to make West Baltimore a drug-free community, one youth at a time!
