A new, massive study published in the Journal of Drugs examines trends among marijuana users from 2002 to 2013.
According to news sources, among other things, the study found:
- The national marijuana market grew during that time–especially in terms of the number of daily marijuana users.
- Adults with less than a high school education accounted for 19% of marijuana use in 2012 and 2013.
- Americans with a household income under $20,000 per year accounted for 29% of marijuana use.
- Individuals who spend 1/4 of their income on marijuana accounted for 15% of marijuana use.
In other words, the largest share of marijuana use is by poor and uneducated individuals.
The study’s authors also found that the typical marijuana purchase has gotten smaller by weight but not by price; the authors believe this indicates a “trend toward higher [marijuana] potencies.” We have noted in the past that marijuana has been cultivated to achieve higher levels of active ingredients, and potent marijuana-infused foods and extracts have become popular–and hazardous–in recent years.
