Marijuana in Nebraska
Marijuana is the most commonly abused illicit drug in the United States and the dangers of marijuana are frequently overlooked. Instead, many believe that smoking pot or taking a joint is simply a way to “mellow” out. While this may be the physicological affect, users often are not able to detach themselves from its use, instead experiencing physical dependence and withdrawl. Marijuania is also considered a gateway drug, which contributes to the list of reasons why marijuana is dangerous.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that in 2004 14.6 million Americans age 12 and older used marijuana at least once a month. About 6,000 people a day try marijuana for the first time and 68.3 percent of those 6,000 are under the age of 18.
Nebraska Health and Human Services executed a study to Nebraskans. The self-report, confidential study looked at the data obtained during a one month period and yielded the following findings:
- Approximately 14,000 of the marijuana users in Nebraska were between the ages of 12-17 years old.
- An estimated 32,000 of the marijuana users in Nebraska were between the ages of 18-25 years of age.
The Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that
- 32.3% of Nebraska middle school and high school students reported using marijuana one or more times during their lifetime.
- 3.1 % of students reported using marijuana on school property one or more times during the past 30 days.
The primary mind-altering ingredient is THC and the amount of this ingredient is what determines how strong its effect will be.
Today’s “pot” is 10-15 times stronger than the “weed” that was popular in the 1960’s. A joint in the 60’s contained 0.02% THC and today a joint contains an average of 14% THC.
