Nearly 10 percent of North Carolina's population has an addiction problem, and the cost to our state is estimated at $12.4 billion each year. Nationwide, nearly half of all 12th graders have taken an illicit drug, according to Monitoring the Future. Learn more about the impact of drugs and substance abuse by visiting the links below.

Spotlight: Marijuana

Pot twice as potent as it was 20 years ago, early use linked to gang violence

“This isn’t your momma’s marijuana,” says Bob Richardson, a Peer Specialist with Partnership for a Drug-Free NC.

Recent studies back up that assertion. The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) reports the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana (THC) has reached its highest-ever level since the scientific analysis of the drug began in the late 1970’s. The latest information says the average amount of THC in a sample is 8.5%. It was just under 4% in 1983. This represents more than a doubling of its potency.

The number of teens in North Carolina using marijuana has decreased in the last five years, but the number of teens entering treatment for marijuana dependency has increased. Each year, more teens enter treatment with a primary diagnosis of marijuana dependence than for all other illicit drugs combined. Treatment for the drug increased 115% between 1994 and 2004.

Richardson says part of the issue is many addicts are in denial. “Pot is so much more socially acceptable than other drugs. People don’t really think they have a problem, but I want to shake them and say, ‘A train is coming to run over you, and you have got to get out of the way.’”

Experts say the increase in potency is due largely to the fact that marijuana plants are now being grown hydroponically, so makers can manipulate the conditions and chemicals. Marijuana is no longer as “natural” as it used to be.

Recovering addict Everett Shaw says the drug is also not as mellowing as it used to be. “Back in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s it was the ‘peace and love’ drug. You might smoke, eat, and fall asleep. You could leave your weed on the table, and it would be there when you woke up. Now, you’re likely to be robbed, beaten, or worse.”

The National youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign agrees after releasing new information which shows teens who use drugs are twice as likely to commit violent acts.

One in ten North Carolina teens has reported illicit drug use in the past month, and one in three is considered to be at high risk for smoking marijuana once a month. The study also shows early use of marijuana is often a warning sign of later gang involvement.

Summer is often the most unsupervised time of the year, and teens who are involved in structured activities are less likely to engage in risky behaviors, so Partnership is encouraging parents and community groups to keep that in mind and offer options for healthy ways to keep teens active.