In truth, no one is exempt from the great marijuana debate that has claimed our country. Since its legality in California, Washington, Oregon, and other U.S. States, the drug has either been approved by masses or hated by others. After all, who can blame them? No matt what way you slice or bake it, marijuana is still a mind-altering substance that can produce some pretty nasty side effects, especially when it is smoked. One particularly disturbing set of statistics from 2017 showed a growing trend in marijuana use among teens. However, according to a news source, the parents of modern teens and young adults are beating them to the punch. Unbelievably, for the first time in a long time, baby boomers are consuming higher percentages of marijuana than their children. Let’s take a closer look at this change.
Baby Boomers are Booming
In 2017, the National Institute for Drug Abuse (NIDA) announced a trend in marijuana use over the past decade: baby boomers were surpassing their children in terms of marijuana intake. In 2007, less than 2% of American adults had consumed marijuana, while 7% of teens used the drug (both groups reported use during the past months). Meanwhile, in 2017, adult marijuana use increased by 6.5% in total since 2002 (with an additional increase from 2% to 4% in terms of monthly use).
Researchers have also shed light on the fact that 20% older American (ages 65 and older) have been consuming marijuana for medical purposes, while an additional percentage was using weed to assist them as they stopped using opioids. These statistics may reinforce the perception that cannabis could potentially be used as a successful medicine for pain management.
Illegal Marijuana is Still a Problem
Despite positive beliefs in the medical community, marijuana is not completely innocent. In September 2018, 30.5 million American people (roughly 11.3% of the U.S. population) ranging from 12 years old and up had been using illegal drugs. Out of this group, 26 million people admitted to using an illegal variant of cannabis.
Always remember that marijuana does not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance abuse disorder or addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug addiction or abuse troubles today.