Marijuana study shows legalization has not led to more use

A nationwide survey released today found that legalization of recreational marijuana in some states hasn't led to more young people smoking pot.

"The actual attitudes towards its use are really in line with other states," said Dr. Leslie Adair, director of mental health and family services. "What this survey has done is posed questions for further research in understanding why that is."

The survey was commissioned by the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation and included interviews with over 1,000 young adults between the ages of 18 and 25. It also found that about one in ten young adults reported being high daily at school, work or while driving.

"What we certainly know is that marijuana use affects memory, it affects concentration, it affects attention," Adair said. "It affects a lot of the cognitive processes required to drive."

The survey also found that 72 percent of young adults whose parents had used marijuana also used it themselves.

The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation runs drug and alcohol treatment centers in Minnesota and other states.

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