Stagering Rise in Pot Use Among Teens

Popular among many teenagers back in the late 1970′s, smoking pot is on the rise once again. Teenage pot use is the most used drug in persons aged 12 and over. Smoking pot can typically be seen from 8th graders to 12th graders. Pot is an illegal drug that can be rolled into a cigarette-like joint or smoked straight out of a pipe or bowl. Teenagers commonly partake in drug activity in social situations with their friends, while some choose to smoke alone to help them wind down and relax. Because pot is so readily available by dealers all across the country, it gives teenagers the opportunity to purchase and smoke weed on a regular basis.

In the late 1970′s, over 50% of 12th grade students had tried smoking pot on at least one occasion. Through the years, teenage pot use dwindled and by the 1990′s, only a little over 20% of 12th grade students were smoking pot. During this time, the drug became more available to younger teenagers starting in just 8th grade. During the years to come, the percentage of drug use in teenagers grew rapidly and then declining slightly. Once again, teenage pot use is escalating. In 2010, nearly 40% of 12th graders were again trying out this drug, while 30% of 10th graders and 16% of 8th graders trailed behind. These statistics were taken from a survey of over 42,000 students, coming up with a conclusive result. Because teenagers are getting into drugs at an earlier age, it is more likely that they will stay dependent on the drug through their later years. Marijuana legalization efforts could play a large part in the rise of pot use among teens.

While pot use has been on the rise, binge drinking and use of other dangerous drugs has taken a fall, something that could be considered a good thing. Compared to 1988, when more than 31.5% of teenagers admitted to binge drinking, only about 23.2% today have had more than five drinks in a row. After marijuana use among teens, pain killers are the next most abused substance in the country, followed by cocaine, hallucinogens, heroine, and inhalants. While many feel that marijuana use among teens is a major concern, it is known to be less dangerous than some legal substances, such as inhalants and pain killers.