Marijuana Use Among 10th Grade Students — Washington, 2014

Weekly / December 30, 2016 / 65(5051);1421–1424

Anar Shah, MPH1; Mandy Stahre, PhD2 (View author affiliations)

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Summary

What is already known about this topic?

Marijuana use among adolescents and young adults can impair brain development, lower intelligence quotient, and adversely affect development, including lower academic retention, social interaction and emotional development and other mental health effects. National surveys have been tracking marijuana use among youths. A number of states, including Washington, have legalized purchase of marijuana for recreational use among persons aged ≥21 years.

What is added by this report?

Approximately 18% of 10th grade students in Washington reported using marijuana at least 1 day during the preceding 30 days, and almost one third of these students used marijuana ≥10 days during the preceding 30 days. Prevalence of use differed by race and ethnicity and school performance and was highest among American Indian/Alaska Native students. The most common means of obtaining marijuana among the 10th graders was from their peers, and youths who use marijuana also were more likely to report alcohol and e-cigarette use than youths who do not use marijuana. Although recreational marijuana use was legalized in Washington in 2012 for persons aged ≥21 years, the prevalence of marijuana use among 10th graders did not change during 2002–2014.

What are the implications for public health practice?

Although national level estimates for marijuana use exist, state-level marijuana use along with detailed information on youth access is needed for states to develop effective intervention and prevention strategies aimed at youth marijuana use. As more states legalize medical and recreational marijuana, surveillance needs to be established to monitor trends in use by youths.

Anar Shah, MPH1; Mandy Stahre, PhD2 (View author affiliations)

View suggested citation