Pubdate: Fri, 17 Jan 2014
Source: Union Leader (Manchester, NH)
Copyright: 2014 The Union Leader Corp.
Contact:  http://www.unionleader.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/761
Note: Out-of-state letters are seldom published.

REPORT SAYS MARIJUANA USE HIGH AMONG YOUNG IN NH

CONCORD - Nearly 10 percent of 12 to 17 year olds in New Hampshire
regularly use marijuana while more than one in four 18 to 25 years
olds report using it at least once in the past month, the fifth
highest rate in the nation, according to a national survey.

"This is a disturbing finding," said Joe Harding, director of the
Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Services, of the youth statistics. "It is
an alarming rate and well above the U.S. average of 7.6 percent of 12
to 17 year olds nationally reporting regular marijuana use. This
underscores the need for us to collaborate with not only our partners
in the field, but also businesses, law enforcement, the medical field
and schools to implement proven strategies to prevent youth use of
marijuana."

About one in 10 adolescents or 9.6 percent reported regular marijuana
use, according to the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
(NSDUH). More than one in four 18 to 25 year olds in the state - 26
percent - report using marijuana at lease once in the prior month, the
NSDUH reports. Other states in the top ten for young adult marijuana
use include other northern New England states as well as Colorado and
Washington, the first two states to legalize recreational use of the
drug.

The findings come as the state Legislature debates a bill to legalize
possession of up to one ounce of marijuana for recreational use. The
bill got initial approval Wednesday when the House voted 170-162 to
send it to the Ways and Means for review of its proposed 15 percent
sales tax on marijuana sales through a licensed retailer.

The committee will send it back to the House for another vote. If
approved, it will go the Senate, where passage is uncertain. Gov.
Maggie Hassan promised to veto it if it comes to her desk. The
governor came under pressure this week from advocates of marijuana
legalization to change her stance.

Colorado and Washington are the only two states that have legalized
recreational use of marijuana.

"Young people hear about our state debating this issue and may think
that marijuana is safe," said Shannon Bresaw, director of the Capital
Area Regional Public Health Network. "Research shows when people don't
perceive an action as risky they are more likely to engage in that
risky behavior."

DHHS on Friday issued "Marijuana Use in New Hampshire," the fourth in
a series of issue briefs highlighting rates and trends in substance
misuse among children and adults. The brief provides strategies and
resources for communities and the public to learn about the risks and
dangers of early use. To read the brief, visit www.dhhs.nh.gov/dcbcs/bdas/,
www.drugfreenh.org and www.nhcenterforexcellence.org . 
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D