A brief report on Hispanic youth marijuana use: Trends in substance abuse treatment admissions in the United States

ABSTRACT

Increases in Hispanic youth admissions to substance abuse treatment programs for marijuana use are a growing public health concern. In this study, we investigated trends in Hispanic youth from 1995 to 2012 utilizing the Treatment Episode Data Set—Admissions of the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration. Hispanic youth marijuana admissions are associated with youth 15–17 years old, in high school, and living in a dependent situation. Notably, female admissions increased at greater rates than males. Results also point to decreasing tolerance of minor marijuana use by schools and community agencies. Findings highlight the need for targeted, culturally specific, and cost-effective treatment and prevention efforts.

KEYWORDS:

• Hispanic
• marijuana use
• substance abuse treatment admissions
• youth

Acknowledgements

Each author has contributed significantly to the work and agrees to the submission. None of the authors have conflicts of interest to report.