A recent survey conducted in the United States has revealed a sharp increase in the number of young people consuming marijuana, following its legalization in many parts of the country, including New York.
A Gallup Poll analysis has revealed that 26% of individuals aged 18 to 29 have used marijuana, compared to 17% in 2015.
According to a Gallup report, smoking rates among young people have dropped from 35% in 2003 to 25% a decade ago, and now stand at 12%, which is more than two times lower than before.
According to an analysis by Gallup, smoking rates have dramatically declined in the past 20 years, driven mainly by a decrease in smoking among young people, which is encouraging for public health officials. However, more young people are turning to marijuana, possibly due to its legalization in more states and its prevalence among youth compared to traditional smoking, along with the use of e-cigarettes.
Twenty-one states have legalized the recreational use of marijuana, including several populous states on the East and West Coasts. Other states, such as Florida and Pennsylvania, have legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes.
According to Gallup's analysis, it supports a recent study published in the journal "Addictive Behaviors" by Temple University researchers. The study claims that "after the legalization of recreational marijuana use, the monthly usage rate among adolescents and young adults increased." The researchers warned that there will be an increase in marijuana addiction or untreated "marijuana use disorders.
The study also found that "among young adults, higher rates of marijuana use were associated with lower rates of hospitalization for CUD treatment.
Opponents of marijuana legalization say that their concerns are now in the past.
Due to coordinated preventative efforts, marijuana usage has steadily decreased for several decades. However, the legalization and commercialization of marijuana are now threatening to undo these public health benefits. "Smart Approaches to Marijuana" President Kevin Sabet stated, "We also cannot ignore the fact that young people are starting to use new forms of marijuana, such as e-cigarettes and concentrated products, which are closely linked to severe mental health risks and higher rates of addiction.
However, supporters say that they are pleased that people can use it legally.
I am delighted to be a part of this process. I am passionate about changing the stigma around cannabis. There is a certain stigma, but culture is changing," said Nicholas Koury, who last week received one of the first licenses issued by the state of New York to open a cannabis dispensary in Manhattan. "The stigma is not necessarily accurate. Cannabis can help people's mental state and has medicinal value," he said.
According to a survey, 26% of people aged 18 to 29 have admitted to using marijuana, which is higher than the reported 17% in 2015.
Last week, New York issued its first round of 28 cannabis dispensary licenses and is now tackling a rapidly growing unlicensed and unregulated black market where Budagges and other top shops openly sell marijuana and cannabis edibles.
According to a Gallup survey, some young smokers appear to be turning to e-cigarettes or less toxic electronic cigarettes, with approximately 7% of US adults reporting using them in the past week.
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