Marijuana and Risks
Marijuana use decreases inhibitions and impairs judgment. A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that young people who admitted frequent use of marijuana in their early teens were more likely to take risks in later adolescence, such as having sex, using other illicit drugs or engaging in violence.

Trends in Hennepin County
According to various studies, marijuana use is the most readily available and widely used illicit drug in Minnesota.

• Almost one in three 12th graders and one in five 9th graders in Minnesota said they used marijuana in the past year.
• In Hennepin County, 38% of male and 31% of female high school seniors reported using marijuana in the past year; 28% and 19%, respectively, reported past month use
• In Hennepin County, 23% of male and 18% of female 9th graders reported using marijuana in the past year.
• According to a 2001 study, approximately 39,000 youth in Minnesota, ages 12-17, reported past month use of marijuana.

Research shows marijuana is addictive; regular users who abstained for just three days experienced withdrawal symptoms, including drug cravings, decreased appetite, sleep difficulty and weight loss, along with increased aggression, anger, irritability, and restlessness. Studies also show smoking marijuana leads to some changes in the brain similar to those caused by cocaine, heroin, and alcohol.
    - From 1999 to 2000, the number of marijuana drug       episodes recorded by hospital emergency       departments across Minneapolis increased by 29%.
    - Statewide, 44% of kids, ages 12-17 in treatment in       the state entered with a primary diagnosis of       marijuana dependence.
    - Minnesota experienced a 133% increase in marijuana       treatment admission rates for persons ages 12 and       over from 1993-99.
    - More than half the treatment admissions for marijuana       abuse in Minnesota were under the age of 18.

Increasing Protective Factors Can
Reduce Risks
Risks and protective factors involve attitudes and behavior associated with the higher likelihood of use and nonuse of drugs. Among these protective factors are communication and awareness of the risks of marijuana use, strong family ties, and a reliance on community.

Communication: Minnesota educators and drug prevention experts stress the value of parental involvement in their kid's lives and clear communication about the dangers posed by drugs such as marijuana. Kids need to hear from their parents why they should stay away from drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes.

Awareness: Accurate information about the risks of using marijuana is essential to a teen's ability to make informed decisions when faced with societal and peer pressures. Youth need to understand the negative consequences of drinking, smoking, and using illicit drugs.

Family: Minnesota experts say parents are the most powerful influence on their kids when it comes to illicit drugs. Parents are encouraged to talk about the dangers of drugs, listen to their kids' questions and concerns, and stay involved.

Community: Community members should band together, help each other by working through community and civic organizations to raise awareness about the dangers of drug use, and take action to prevent youth marijuana use.