Has The Rate of U.S. Marijuana Use Really Doubled?

The number of Americans consuming marijuana has doubled over the past decade. Or so it is claimed many in the mainstream media. But to those of us who have closely followed survey data over the past decade, last week’s sensational claim immediately aroused suspicion. Why? That is because the bulk of the available data clearly says otherwise.

The most prominent and well-respected gauge of Americans’ drug use habits is the annual survey conducted by the U.S. federal government, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Yet data assessed by the NSDUH over the past decade disputes claims of a doubling in marijuana use prevalence. Rather, the NSDUH reports a fairly nominal increase in cannabis consumption by those 18 years or older between the years 2002 and 2012. Among young people age 12 to 17, the NSDUH reports a decrease  in cannabis consumption — a conclusion consistent with those of...

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