Study: Teen Marijuana Use Declines

A study of teen marijuana use was performed through questionnaires distributed to 15-year-old boys and girls in 30 countries. Between results compiled in 2002 and 2006, researchers found a marked decrease in marijuana use by teens in virtually all countries.

Led by Emmanuel Kuntsche of Switzerland's drug problem institute, the research also found that Canada had the world's highest percentage of teen dope smokers in both 2002 and 2006.

Thirty percent of boys and almost 28 percent of girls [in Canada] used marijuana in 2006. That was down 13 percent among boys and almost 10 percent among girls.

The United States ranked third in 2006, with 24 percent of boys and girls each reporting marijuana use. That was down almost 12 percent among boys and 2 percent among girls, echoing previous reports of declining pot use among U.S. teens.

Switzerland ranked second in prevalence among boys, and Wales was second among girls. Greece, Macedonia and Sweden were at the bottom of the list -- with fewer than 5 percent of boys and girls reporting marijuana use in 2006.

Marijuana use was also evaluated with regard to the average frequency that teens go out at night rather than stay home with their parents. A direct correlation appears to exist with the frequency of nights out and marijuana use. When kids stay home, they apparently smoke less dope.

In summary, although the prevalence appears to be decreasing, research indicates that marijuana continues to be used regularly by a significant segment of the world's teen population.

Regarding teens staying home more often, I suggest the Internet is responsible. The kids can socialize with many more people and they don't have to be presentable.