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Pot Use Increasing as Legalization Gains Steam (LifeZette News, Kevin Sabet)

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On September 21, 2015, LifeZette reported that pot use significantly increased from 2013 to 2014, mostly among youths according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The survey’s demographics were state wide, and did not focus on states which have legalized marijuana. According to the article more 12-17 and 18-25 year olds used pot more in 2014 than compared to survey data from previous years. The report also stated that people, especially younger people, believe less that smoking marijuana at least once a week could cause great harm.

Findings from the survey included:

  • 8.4 percent of 12 years and older reported they had used pot in the previous month in 2014, compared to 7.5 percent in 2013 and 6.2 percent in 2002.
  • Colorado, where marijuana is legalized, ranks 56 percent higher than the national average
  • Driving under the influence of marijuana increased in Colorado 45 percent
  • 38 percent of hospitalizations were Marijuana related
  • 1.0 million people aged 12 and older received treatment for marijuana use during substance use treatment

The author of this article served in the Obama administration as senior advisor at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy from 2009-2011.