1. M. Fe Caces, Ph. D. Statistician/Demographer Office of National Drug Control Policy Executive Office of the President Washington, DC June 2003 Treatment Demand Indicators: Profile of Cannabis Users

2. 15.9 million were current (past month) users of an illicit drug in 2001. (other than marijuana ) (incl. crack) Past Month Users (in Millions) Source: SAMHSA, 2001 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse. 9/2002

3. Marijuana only Marijuana and some other drug Only a drug other than marijuana Among current drug users, marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug. Total Current Users: 15.9 million Source: SAMHSA, 2001 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse. 9/2002

4. Treatment Admissions by Primary Substance of Abuse (Ages 12 and Older) 2/2003 SOURCE: SAMHSA, Treatment Episode Data Set, 2000

5. Treatment Admissions by Primary Substance of Abuse (Ages 12 - 17) SOURCE: SAMHSA, Treatment Episode Data Set, 2000 2/2003

6. Number of Marijuana Initiates (1,000s) The annual number of new marijuana users peaked in the 1970s and rose again in the 1990s. Source: SAMHSA, 1999 and 2000 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse.

7. Average age at first use Average age at first use of marijuana (initiation) has been declining since 1965. Source: SAMHSA, 1999 and 2000 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse.

8. Distribution of Marijuana Initiates, By Age at First Use Percent of Initiates (1998 and 1999) Source: SAMHSA, 1999 and 2000 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse.

9. Distribution of Month of First Use Among Persons Initiating Marijuana Use Before Age 18 Percent of Initiates Source: SAMHSA, 1999 and 2000 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse.

10. Among adults aged 26 or older, drug dependence or abuse is more likely among those who initiated marijuana use at the youngest ages. Percent with Illicit Drug Dependence or Abuse (Past Year) Source: SAMHSA, 1999 and 2000 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse.

11. Average THC percentage (samples confiscated by law enforcement agencies) The average THC concentrations found in tested cannabis samples rose substantially since 1980. Source: ElSohly, et al, Journal of Forensic Sciences 45(1):24-27(2000); [+ update]. 4/2003 Sinsemilla Marijuana

12. Since 1990 marijuana ED mentions have been rising. In 2001 they exceeded the number of heroin mentions. Number of Drug Emergency Mentions Source: SAMHSA, Drug Abuse Warning Network. NOTE: Data prior to 1994 may not be comparable to 1994 through 2001. 1/2003

13. Referral source for treatment admissions for marijuana SOURCE: SAMHSA, Treatment Episode Data Set, 2000 6/2003

14. Referral source for treatment admissions, by primary substance SOURCE: SAMHSA, Treatment Episode Data Set, 2000 2/2003

15. Number of prior treatment episodes, primary substance = marijuana SOURCE: SAMHSA, Treatment Episode Data Set, 2000 6/2003 The majority of treatment episodes with marijuana as the primary substance are first-time episodes.

16. Number of prior treatment episodes, by primary substance SOURCE: SAMHSA, Treatment Episode Data Set, 2000 2/2003 In contrast, cocaine and heroin admissions are largely repeat treatment episodes.

17. Summary u Evidence of change over time in the nature of marijuana, its use, and the demand for treatment u Treatment demand for marijuana as the primary drug is largely not self-initiated u Treatment demand for marijuana as the primary drug is typically a first-time treatment episode