Among high-school seniors, the number of teens using marijuana grew from 37 percent to 50 percent during this period. The federal government's annual National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, released this week, found that one in 10 teen- agers uses marijuana or other illegal drugs, down from 1997 but double what it was in 1992. The average potency of THC in 1975 was 0.71 percent. In 1997, the potency was 3.71 percent. Marijuana use has been associated with cardiovascular, pulmonary and reproductive problems.
Chronic use can result in the same health problems associated with cigarette smoking.
Marijuana can affect cognitive skills and memory among young users and can impair the ability to learn. Keith Stroup, executive director for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, in Washington, D.C., said there are reports that contradict Rogers' findings about marijuana potency and addictiveness. You could say orange juice is addictive,'' Stroup said. Or taking a shower every morning.'' The group's position is that marijuana use should be restricted to adults only. Dr. Jennifer White, a pediatrician with Riverside Methodist Hospitals, said physicians and parents shouldn't wait to talk with young people.