Mexican High School Teens Using Marijuana, Drugs Have Increased to More Than 17 Percent

A recent drug use survey revealed that up to 17.2 percent of middle and high school teens have used drugs, according to an article from The Washington Post.

Marijuana was the most frequent drug that was used, according to the survey. The statistics came out after Mexico opened a formal debate regarding policies about the use of marijuana. There were five public debates that started in Cancun. Interior Secretary Miguel Angel Osorio, who raised his support for medical marijuana, attended the meeting.

There were 160,000 students interviewed in the survey which revealed that 10.6 percent used marijuana. There were 5.8 percent who claimed they sniffed glue and 3.3 said they took cocaine. The survey also showed that there were 18.6 male users and 15.9 female users.

A report from Latin Post claimed that Hispanic youths are more likely to take marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine and other drugs compared to other ethnic groups. There were more than 54 percent of Latino teens who reportedly used drugs, which is more than African American teens at 45 percent and white teens at 43 percent.

Marijuana has been a popular choice because it is believed to be "mild and non-addictive." The report added that young Latinos tend to indulge in drugs more than other groups because they are exposed to the substance and abuse in their community.

Consequently, Hispanic parents also tend to be more aware of the consequences of using drugs at a young age. A staggering 94 percent of Hispanic parents said that they would immediately take action if they discover that their children are using drugs. The number is significantly higher compared to other parents of other races.

The legalization of marijuana is still under debate, but it has been revealed that the legalization in some parts of the US is already making Mexican drug cartels lose their profits.

"The loosening of marijuana laws across much of the United States has increased competition from growers north of the border, apparently enough to drive down prices paid to Mexican farmers. Small-scale growers here in the state of Sinaloa, one of the country's biggest production areas, said that over the last four years, the amount they receive per kilogram has fallen from $100 to $30," Deborah Bonello for the Los Angeles Times reported.

The use of marijuana for recreational purpose was legalized in Alaska, Oregon, Colorado, Nebraska, Washington and the District of Columbia. It could be legal soon in other states like California, Nevada, Minnesota, Maine and New York.