Marijuana - Data & Facts

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HCC wants you to know the facts about marijuana and the potential harm that it could cause to youth physical and mental health development. Please read on for more information.

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Risks of Marijuana Use

• Youth who use marijuana before the age of 18 have a 1 in 6 chance of developing a cannabis use disorder. 
• Smoking or vaping THC extracts (a.k.a. dabbing) can be so potent that some could have a reaction that requires them to be taken to the Emergency Room.
• Academic performance and achievement can be negatively impacted by youth marijuana use.  In fact, youth who use marijuana could lose up to 8 IQ points that they will never get back.  Youth who use marijuana are also at an increased risk for unexcused school absences.
• Youth marijuana use is linked to depression, anxiety, psychosis, and suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Culture & Marketing

• The marijuana industry is replacing the tobacco industry in aggressive marketing to youth.  From edibles that look like candy to backpacks with cartoon characters that are advertised to have “stash pockets” – these are similar tactics used by the tobacco industry years ago. 
• There is an entire “culture” surrounding marijuana that adults need to be aware of because it is much different than what they are familiar with.  Many will be familiar with “420” but today “710” is popular in marijuana culture.  710 spells oil upside down – as in hash oil or dabs.

Local Data

With decriminalization of marijuana has come an increased acceptance and a reduced sense that marijuana can be harmful, despite some of the evidence provided above. ​

​From the 2019 Cattaraugus County Prevention Needs Assessment Survey we see that local youth perceptions of harm for marijuana are on the decline.  This is also mirrored in national data as well.

• Past 30-day use of Marijuana in Cattaraugus County among students grades 6-12 has risen overall from 10.8% in 2017 to 14.3% in 2019.

​           - 8th grade use increased from 3.8% in 2017 to 6.9% in 2019
           - 11th grade use increased from 17.4% in 2017 to 24.6% in 2019

• We are also beginning to see a decrease in local youth perceptions that their parents disapprove of marijuana use. 
• 13 is the average age Cattaraugus County Youth have reported that they begin using marijuana.  

References:

Bach Harrison (2019) Cattaraugus County Prevention Needs Assessment Survey
https://teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts/marijuana#topic-5
https://www.samhsa.gov/marijuana