SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - Marijuana is the most popular drug for teens according to a study by the San Diego Association of Governments.
The study tracks drug choices for kids in juvenile justice systems and show its reputation along with its frequency of use are changing.
Marijuana has increased in virtually every category in 2017 since the study began in 2007.
91% of kids in San Diego juvenile detention programs in 2017 have tried marijuana with the average age of their first time trying the drug being a little over 12-years-old.
“Which I think is younger than what some individuals might think so we want to get that message out it’s never too early to talk to your kids about drug use and the risks,’ said Dr. Cynthia Burke, SANDAG’s Criminal Justice Research Director.
Prop 64 legalized the recreational use of marijuana in California for those over the age of 18 at the start of the year.
According to SANDAG’s study, only 14% of the teens polled believed marijuana is harmful to users — compare that alcohol’s 36% percent.
“I think a lot of the youth out there thinks it isn’t harmful.,” added Burke, “when you see edibles in different forms it doesn’t seem harmful, but we don't fully know yet how it affects teens.”
To read the complete study, click here.
