CDC: 7,000 new marijuana users each day in 2014, 2.5 million total

By Adrian Mojica 

A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states there was an average of 7,000 new marijuana users each day in 2014.

A total of 2.5 million persons over the age of twelve reported using marijuana for the first time in 2014. The totals represent a continued decrease in perception and attitudes towards the drug.

The report states the prevalence of perceived great risk from smoking marijuana once a month decreased by 31% from 2002-2014, with 38.3% perceiving great risk in smoking once a month in 2002, to 26.5% sharing the same attitude in 2014.

Even the perceived great risk of smoking marijuana once or twice a week dropped by 33% over the course of the study. In 2002, 51% of persons over the age of 12 saw "great risk" in smoking marijuana once or twice a week. In 2014, that percentage dropped to just 34 percent.

According to the report, even perceived parent disapproval of trying marijuana once or twice decreased by 6% from 2002-2014. However, there were limits. Parents still disapproved of marijuana use once a month or more among children aged 12-17, with 95.7% reporting disapproval.

The report states despite the changes in perception surrounding marijuana, there has been a decrease since 2002 of persons dependent or addicted to the drug. There has also been a decrease in use by persons 12-17 years of age. The decrease of use by that age group is possibly related to the fact it is more difficult to obtain than those who are 18-years of age or older.

The CDC states the finding suggest progress in preventing use of the drug among youth but more work needs to be done to address the low perceived risk of harm by users, especially at younger ages.

The report cites one way to avoid use among youth could be through well-funded public health campaigns.