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Oregon Marijuana Use Among Highest In U.S.
Business Journal of Portland | 04/06/2006

Oregon and seven other states were ranked in the top fifth nationally in 2003-2004 marijuana use in three age groups, according to a new state-by-state report from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

The State Estimates of Substance Use report from the 2003-2004 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health, issued Thursday, estimates state rates of use of illegal drugs, binge and underage drinking, serious mental illness and tobacco use.

Mississippi and Utah had the lowest rate of marijuana use (4.2 percent) in 2003-2004 for population ages 12 and older, while Alaska had the highest rate (9.9 percent). Eight states were ranked in the top fifth nationally for marijuana use in all three age groups, 12 to 17, 18 to 25, and 26 and older. These states are Alaska, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont.

The report is available on the Web at www.oas.samhsa.gov.

SAMHSA is a public health agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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