The estimated number of people using marijuana for the first time appears to be increasing, according to data from the 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). More than 2.4 million persons ages 12 or older used marijuana for the first time in 2010, compared to the most recent low of 2.1 million in 2006. The abuse of prescription drugs continues to rival that of marijuana.
For more statistics about drug abuse, visit the 2010 SAMHSA NSDUH Survey here.
According to the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration, more marijuana grow houses were seized in Florida than in any other state last year.
Nationwide demand for high-potency marijuana has turned Florida into a top producer of hydroponic weed, and hundreds of South Floridians are turning their homes into lucrative grow houses, according to local law enforcement.
The illegal drug nurseries are hidden everywhere from million-dollar homes to run-down apartments, putting unsuspecting neighbors in serious danger, police said. Some grow houses are discovered only after explosions or fires.
“The bad guys are getting smarter, and we’re not finding them all,” said Capt. Joe Mendez, who oversees HIDTA’s marijuana task force in South Florida.
The huge profits made from hydroponic marijuana create a never-ending battle for police, said Mendez, of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. Each pound has a street value of about $4,000 in South Florida, and each plant produces about three pounds a year, according to the task force.
Dave Aronberg (special prosecutor with the attorney general’s office) revealed shocking statistics to a gathering at the health professions division of Nova Southeastern University: “Florida peddles 10 times more oxycodone pills than all the other states together.”
These statistics come to light as newly appointed Gov. Rick Scott promises to repeal the state law authorizing a prescription drug monitoring database.
Aronberg also noted that “[seven] Floridians die each day from overdosing on oxycodone.”
Marijuana is riskier than you think. It can limit your teen’s achievement in the classroom, on standardized tests and in the future. Test yourself. Do you know the facts? Read More
Think about your home. What prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs do you have? Where are they kept? Would you know if some were missing? The good news is that you can take steps immediately to limit access to these drugs and help keep your teen drug-free: Read More