Marijuana Prevention
Marijuana is the most commonly used federally illegal drug in the United States, with an estimated 48.2 million people using it in 2019.7 Marijuana use may have a wide range of health effects on the body and brain, including a direct effect on brain function, scarring and damage to small blood vessels, increased heart rate and blood pressure, an increased risk of using other drugs and more.
Approximately 1 in 10 people who use marijuana will become addicted8
The rate of addiction rises to 1 in 6 for people who start smoking marijuana at age 188
In 2015, 7.0 percent of adolescents aged 12 to 17 were current users of marijuana8
The percentage of adolescents in 2015 who were current marijuana users was similar to the percentages in most years between 2004 and 20148
Daily marijuana use among college students has increased in recent years, rising from 3.5% in 2007 to 4.6% in 20158
Almost 38% of college students said they used marijuana in 2015, compared with 30% in 20068
Since 2003, 19- to 22-year-olds seeing regular marijuana use as dangerous to the user has declined sharply, from 58% in 2003 to 33% by 20158
A recent study revealed up to 40% of pregnant women age 24 and younger screened positive for marijuana use, despite only 20% self-reporting use of marijuana14
Further Research:
Partnership to End Drug Addiction
Partnership to End Drug Addiction provides everything from tips on preventing substance use to guidance on managing recovery from addiction.
SAMHSA – Learn About Marijuana Risks
The SAMHSA provides an overview of how marijuana use can impact a person’s health and life.
Preventing Marijuana Use Among Youth & Young Adults
This publication from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) provides an overview of the prevalence of marijuana use among this population; the physical, academic, and social consequences; tips for how to get involved to prevent marijuana use among youth and young adults; and federal resources to assist in your efforts.
Center for Prevention & Counseling – Impact of Marijuana: Prevention Resources
The Center for Prevention & Counseling’s priority is to provide the most accurate and reliable information, facts and resources about marijuana.