Marijuana: The greatest cause of illegal drug abuseThis Chartbook recognizes marijuana as a major component of the illicit drug problem. Major progress has been achieved in reducing youth marijuana use; nevertheless, the overall demand for marijuana remains strong. The supply of cannabis is complex, involving domestic and foreign growers — both outdoor and indoor — as well as intricate networks that involve not only conventional drug traffickers, but also established social networks of friends and family. The potency of cannabis has risen dramatically in the past two decades, with concomitant abuse and dependence consequences reflected in increasing cannabis-related emergency and treatment events. Today, in addition to traditional methods of promoting and consuming the drug, marijuana is being marketed as candy to young people, the next generation of potential buyers. The data summary on these pages looks at marijuana use patterns and trends, health effects, criminal justice aspects, the supply network, and the issue of so-called medical marijuana.
