Marijuana

     Scope of Problem:

Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug. In 2006, past month use of marijuana was reported by by 1.2% of Illinois 6th grade youths, 9.0% of Illinois 8^th grade youths, 18.7.0% of Illinois 10^th grade youths, and 23.7% of Illinois 12^th grade youths. Marijuana is a “Gateway” drug, in that those who use other illicit drugs have nearly all first been marijuan users. Not all marijuana users go on to use other drugs, but use of other drugs by youth who don’t also use marijuana (as well as alcohol and/or tobacco) is very rare.

     Greatest Dangers:

• Like alcohol, marijuana causes thought impairments that can lead to accidents or intentional violence.
• Like tobacco, marijuana can damage lungs.
• Marijuana is addictive. Among people who have used the drug at least five times, the rate of marijuana dependence is estimated at 20-30 percent.
• Especially in youth, marijuana use can cause increased anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and other mental health problems.

     For More Information:

• http://www.theantidrug.com/drug_info/drugs_marijuana.html – This site has marijuana information from the federal agency concerned with substance abuse prevention.
• http://www.freevibe.com/Drug_Facts/mj.asp – Marijuana information at this site is particularly for youth.
• http://www.drugfreeamerica.org/Drug_Resource/Default.asp?ws=PDFA&vol=1&grp=Drug+Resource&cat=By+Name&top=Drug+Name&tit=Marijuana – This is the marijuana information page from the Partnership for a Drug-Free America.
• http://www.educatingvoices.org/Marijuana.asp – This is the marijuana information page from “Educating Voices, Inc.”

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