Baby boomers fuel jump in pot use

Salt Lake Tribune ^ | 5/5/04 | Lindsey Tanner

[qam1]

CHICAGO -- Habitual marijuana use increased among U.S. adults over the past decade, particularly among young minorities and baby boomers, government figures show.

The prevalence of marijuana abuse or dependence climbed from 1.2 percent of adults in 1991-92 to 1.5 percent in 2001-02, or an estimated 3 million adults 18 and over.

That represents an increase of 800,000 people, according to data from two nationally representative surveys that each queried more than 40,000 adults.

Among 18- to 29-year-olds, the rate of abuse or dependence remained stable among whites but surged by about 220 percent among black men and women, to 4.5 percent of that population, and by almost 150 percent among Latino men, to 4.7 percent.

Among all adults ages 45 to 64, the rate increased by 355 percent, to about 0.4 percent of that population. The report, published in today's Journal of the American Medical Association, was led by Wilson Compton of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, who said the rise in dependence was probably due at least partly to increases in the potency of pot over the past decade.

Also, the figures may indicate that baby boomers "bring their bad habits with them into old age," he said. The researchers said adults were considered marijuana abusers if repeated use of the drug hurt their ability to function at work, in school or in social situations, or created drug-related legal problems.

Drug users were considered dependent if they experienced increased tolerance of marijuana, used it compulsively and continued using it despite drug-related physical or psychological problems.

Overall use of the drug -- that is, casual use and habitual use -- remained stable at around 4 percent of adults.

"This study suggests that we need to develop ways to monitor the continued rise in marijuana abuse and dependence and strengthen existing prevention and intervention efforts," said Nora Volkow, the institute's director. Programs that target young black and Latino adults are particularly needed, she said.

Increases in dependence among young minorities may reflect their growing assimilation into sectors of white society where marijuana use is more accepted, Compton said.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism contributed to the report.

[robertpaulsen]

"So why is marijuana not acceptable so long as you don't get stoned while in public to get people hurt or at home while caring for kids?"

Geez MrLeRoy, if dopers are not in public with marijuana, or if they are indeed at home caring for kids, how is it that 630,000 USERS ARE GETTING ARRESTED EACH YEAR?

[robertpaulsen]

If one drinks to get drunk, one is abusing alcohol. Can we stay on topic?

[The kings dead]

so long as you don't get stoned while in public

if dopers are not in public with marijuana

Can we stay on topic?

[bc2]

Here in New York State all of the growers that I know are white, either mid 20s or mid 50s. All of the people who import "BC Bud" from Canada are also white, and of similar age ranges.

Maybe it is a georgraphical difference.

[The kings dead]

If one drinks to get drunk, one is abusing alcohol.

And if one drinks to get mentally altered but less than drunk?

Can we stay on topic?

Hey, you brought up this proposed definition of "abuse;" I'm just checking if you really believe it.

[robertpaulsen]

Oh no. You were even more specific than that. It was, I believe, "so long as you don't get stoned while in public to get people hurt".

Remember, be as specific as you can so you always have an "out". Heaven forbid you would actually add to the discussion.

[robertpaulsen]

"And if one drinks to get mentally altered but less than drunk?"

And if this ... and if that ... but if this ... but if that.

I'm getting tired of your silly game of 20 questions. You got something to say, say it. Then I'll comment if I feel like it.

Go away, troll.

[The kings dead]

You were even more specific than that. It was, I believe, "so long as you don't get stoned while in public to get people hurt".

Remember, be as specific as you can so you always have an "out".

That was A CA Guy's specification; kick him around if you like.

[biblewonk]

CHICAGO -- Habitual marijuana use increased among U.S. adults over the past decade, particularly among young minorities and baby boomers, government figures show.

I seriously doubt their ability to measure this.

[robertpaulsen]

He was referring to a legal product. You copy someone else's phrase, you take responsibility for it.

[OXENinFLA]

Baby Boomers are the worst generation ever

How so?

sniff sniff...............

[The kings dead]

And if one drinks to get mentally altered but less than drunk?

You got something to say, say it.

Since you're carefully avoiding saying much, OK. I don't think you believe your proposed definition of "abuse," nor do I think those who deal professionally with substance abuse would accept it; I don't think you or those professionals would agree that one who drank to "unwind" was abusing alcohol.

[The kings dead]

He was referring to a legal product.

Relevance?

You copy someone else's phrase, you take responsibility for it.

But that certainly doesn't let the originator off the hook.

[robertpaulsen]

Is that what you think about what I think or professionals think?

Well, I think you're entitled to your opinion, since that's all you'll offer.

[robertpaulsen]

Relevance?

Turn this into a statement, then I'll consider addressing it.

[The kings dead]

We'll never know what you think if you keep squirming to evade my questions.

[The kings dead]

The fact that A CA Guy was referring to a legal product is of no clear relevance to my question to him.

[The kings dead]

I think you're entitled to your opinion, since that's all you'll offer.

You've offered nothing other than your opinion in support of your definition of "abuse."

[WhiteGuy]

Before I buy into this theory, I'd like to see a study, demographically, if there is a corresponding increase in the sales of Doretos and Oreos..................

[FrankR]

What is this? The liberal media engaging in PROFILING?