Marijuana use, abuse doubled in the last 14 years: study

A study released this week reveals that almost 22 million American adults now use marijuana or roughly 10 percent of the adult population in the states.

"The prevalence of marijuana use more than doubled between 2001-2002 and 2012-2013, and there was a large increase in marijuana use disorders during that time," the researchers wrote in the study published in JAMA Psychiatry. "While not all marijuana users experience problems, nearly three of 10 marijuana users manifested a marijuana use disorder in 2012-2013."

The study also revealed a surge in usage in some certain groups. According to New York Daily News, rampant marijuana users include women and adults aged 45 to 64, some Hispanics, African American and Southerners. The researchers also expressed concern as they have found that young adults are at risk of using marijuana and developing usage disorder.

"The trend upward in marijuana use indicates that more adults are at risk for marijuana-related adverse consequences, including the risk of marijuana use disorders (abuse or dependence) that we showed. Our findings are consistent with the studies of others that have shown increases in problems such cannabis-related emergency room visits and fatal vehicle crashes," said Deborah Hasin, lead author and professor of epidemiology at Columbia, via CBS News.

Cannabis use disoder can lead to intense cravings and tolerance for higher dose of the plant. The outlet adds that long term use of marijuana can cause impaired memory, respiratory problems, and increased cancer risk. In youth, it may lead to poor brain development and likeliness of developing mental illness.

Newsweek reports that 23 states in the US have legalized medical cannabis while four of those have legalized its recreational use including Oregon, Washington, Colorado and Alaska. The outlet adds that the research shows that marijuana drug use disorder is becoming rampant as it gets legalized more and more states in the country.

While the researchers write that some people may be able to use marijuana without consequences, but risks are still there.

 "As is the case with alcohol, many individuals can use marijuana without becoming addicted. However, the clear risk for marijuana use disorders among users (approximately 30 percent) suggests that as the number of U.S. users grows, so will the numbers of those experiencing problems related to such use. This information is important to convey in a balanced manner to health care professionals, policy makers and the public," the authors wrote in the study.

An expert found the trend to not be surprising because of the availability of marijuana, CBS reports. Legalizing cannabis has led people to believe that marijuana is now less harmless. However, the expert agreed that treatment and services should be made available now that marijuana use disorder is becoming a nationwide problem.