Marijuana Use Increasing Among Youth Nationally
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) recently found that the national rate marijuana use is increasing among youth, especially among those in the 8th grade. This was one of several troubling findings in the national Monitoring the Future (MTF) Study- a national series of surveys conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Mixed Messages; Serious Consequences
Although debates over medical marijuana and marijuana legalization have proved controversial, there are many strong arguments against legalization. Potential consequences of marijuana legalization include increased substance abuse, high social costs (e.g. health care, criminal justice, lost workplace productivity) and the possibility of increased drug-related violence. Additionally, the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) argues that "mixed messages" about drug legalization may be to blame for increasing rates of marijuana use among youth.
SO... what's the problem with marijuana use, anyways? Public discourse often argues that marijuana is not as harmful as other "harder" drugs like heroin or even alcohol. However, the science shows that marijuana DOES pose a serious threat to brain development, especially during adolescence. "Not only does marijuana affect learning, judgment, and motor skills, but research tells us that about 1 in 6 people who start using it as adolescents become addicted" said NIDA Director Nora D. Volkow, M.D. Marijuana use during adolescence seriously impedes the potential of youth to learn, grow and make healthy decisions. With all of the problems in the world today, the last thing we need is to encourage the use of a drug that slows individuals' and communities abilities to face these challenges head on. How can we ever solve pressing community issues like economic development, domestic violence or sustainable energy solutions if our future leaders don't have the intellectual ability to engage with the world?
All things considered, what do YOU think about marijuana legalization?
