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Increases in marijuana use among eighth grade students in Texas
1Department of Social Work and Psychology, National University of Singapore, Republic of Singapore. MEBARRETT@yahoo.com
Substance Use & Misuse
|September 28, 1999
Summary
Increased marijuana availability is linked to higher teen use, particularly among African American eighth graders in Texas. This trend was observed between 1992 and 1996.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
- Substance Use Research
Background:
- Teenage marijuana use in Texas showed a significant increase between 1992 and 1996.
- Understanding the factors driving this trend is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the reasons behind the rise in marijuana use among eighth-grade students in Texas.
- To identify key variables associated with increased adolescent marijuana consumption.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal analysis of survey data from 1992 to 1996.
- Examination of factors including marijuana availability, perceived risk, co-use of alcohol and cigarettes, and social influences (family, peers, school).
Main Results:
- Increased availability of marijuana correlated strongly with rising marijuana use rates.
- A notable surge in marijuana use was observed among African American students, increasing from 4% to 24% during the study period.
- While other factors showed relationships with use, only availability mirrored the increasing prevalence of marijuana use.
Conclusions:
- The availability of marijuana appears to be a primary driver of increased adolescent use in Texas.
- Specific demographic groups, such as African American students, experienced disproportionately higher increases in marijuana use.
- Further research and targeted prevention strategies are needed to address these trends.