For Canada, marijuana is a bit of a tricky subject (at least, based on the news reports). Although residents of our neighbor to the north endlessly celebrated the legalization of the little green plant back in October, recent shortages and arguments about existing provincial laws have brought a new level of difficulty for managing the herb. However, did you know that residents in the Province of Ontario were using pot long before politicians considered federal legalization? In fact, according to a recent report, the plant didn’t require political and social promotions to maintain its popularity in Ontario. Let’s take a closer look at the strange history of marijuana use in this province.
Big Boost in Pot Use
According to recent reports, pot use was already on the rise prior to legalization. Conducted by the Center for Mental Health and Addiction (CMHA), the number of adults in Ontario who had previously used marijuana had boosted from 15.7% (2016) to 19.7% (2017), meaning that over 2 million people started consuming this drug in the span of a year.
According to Robert Mann (a senior scientist at CMHA), the biggest jump in usage rates has taken place among 18 to 29-year olds. Back in 1996, he explains, 18.3% of these young people were indulging in the plant. In 2017, the number had increased to 39.1%.
One Giant Leap for Marijuana
As Mann explains, scientists cannot truly account for why this percentage has risen so drastically prior to legalization. However, he has proposed that the increasing rate of pot use among adults ages 50 and older may be due to a heightened interest in alternative medications. However, the report has uncovered one particularly unnerving piece of data: an estimated 2.6% out of 2,800 adults (18 and older) admitted to driving high, as part of a recent study. On the flip side, though, drugged driving has taken the place of drunk driving. One step at a time, right?
Seeking Treatment for Marijuana Use Disorder
Marijuana may be marketed as an alternative medication, but teenagers and young adults should never indulge in a drug that could potentially warp their minds and bodies. Even as an older adult, you are putting yourself at risk for a possible case of marijuana addiction. You never know when you could potentially be that “one person” who contracts a problem with this drug. If you are trying to beat marijuana abuse or have a friend or family member who is coping with this terrible problem, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process detox and withdrawal and guide you through each step of rehabilitation to help you separate yourself from these substances.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can kick your marijuana use to the curb.
