Marijuana

The United States percentage for youth aged 12 or older who have used cannabis in the past year has steadily increased from 11% in 2002 to 15.9% in 2018 (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2019). The numbers for the past year, according to SAMHSA, show that cannabis use has gone down among youth ages 12-17, but nearly doubled among adults 26 or older from 7% reporting use to 13.3% (2019).

The Texas Department of Public Safety provides data on the drugs seized by agencies in Texas. Based on 2018 data, the highest amount of drug taken was of packaged marijuana (i.e., 65,983 lbs.). According to the data in this RNA, Region 10 has seen an increase in marijuana use. The rise in youth usage of marijuana is a result of increasing e-cigarette use. Moving forward prevention should focus on the accessibility of marijuana as it relates to promote the health and safety of our community.