In its report titled “CNMI Epidemiological profile on Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Illicit Drug Use 2010 Addendum,” the center stated that only 18.6 percent of students reported to have tried marijuana for the first time before the age of 13 in 2009.
The previous years’ rates were 19.9 percent in 2007, 20.9 percent in 2005, and 24.8 percent in 2003.
The center also reported that 30.8 percent of students used marijuana one or more times during the past 30 days based on the Public School System Youth Risk Behavior Survey 2009.
However, the 2009 data showed a decrease from 31.9 percent in 2007, and 41.2 percent in 2004.
In 2005, the rate was slightly lower than 2009 — 29.8 percent.
According to the center’s report, “Marijuana has had a slight decrease but still above the initial decline from 29.8 percent in 2005 when there was a great decrease from the 2003 41.2 percent.”
“This is an area that needs more research and detailed understanding of cultural, national and global trends and its impact particularly in small island communities such as those within the CNMI,” the report added.
The report said the 2009 survey showed that 57.1 percent of students used marijuana one or more times during their life.
The rate in 2003 was 68.1 percent and 58.1 percent in 2005.
The 2009 result was much higher compared to 2007 — 54.9 percent.
The center’s report stated that there were also some promising trends in alcohol and tobacco.
However, it added, there is a “growing problem [with] many new and different types of drugs being introduced.”
Their “accessibility compounded with current international and social impacts of both the U.S. and nearby Asian countries has brought a rising new trend in illicit drugs particularly with marijuana,” the report said.
It said marijuana is associated with long- and short-term physical, mental, emotional and behavioral consequences.
It is also generally considered a “gateway” to stronger drugs.
Methamphetamine-related crimes and abuse have figured in the news on numerous occasions in the CNMI, the report noted.
Drug trafficking, violent crimes, and damage to property are frequently attributed to the use or dealing in illicit drugs, the report said.
Although there has been a concerted effort by law enforcement authorities in cracking down on trafficking and solicitation of illegal drugs, particularly “ice,” this has only made clearer that the problem is growing, the center said.
