PUBLIC OPINION > Teen Marijuana Use Is Not That Big of a Deal
SodaHead News
2012/05/04 16:00:00
We've done polls on marijuana in the past, and typically voters give it the polling equivalent of a shrug. Even if they don't smoke it or condone it, it's not as dangerous as alcohol and not worth fussing over. But a recent survey shows teen marijuana use is on the rise -- nearly 10% of teens are smoking 20 times a month or more. No wonder it's California's biggest cash crop! Teen use can be scary, though, as the longterm effects of marijuana use on developing brains is still unclear, and bad habits can form in those early years. So we asked the public if the increase in teen use is cause for concern.
Again, the majority feels marijuana is just not that big of a deal. Even with teens, the sentiment seems to be, "Better weed than alcohol." The Top Opinion read, "Sure I would prefer they didn't do all of these things but when you look at the alternatives kids that want to get high really bad probably will, and if it's not marijuana it will probably be something dangerous." Yes, weed can be bad. It can be habit-forming, and it can glue you to the couch. But hey, at least they aren't drinking hand sanitizer.
Fluctuating Feelings
Teens themselves were exactly in-line with the overall vote -- exactly 41% are pretty concerned. As voters got a little bit older, in their early 20s, that number dipped to 29% concern. Then it worked its way back up to 57% as voters entered their 50s. Age definitely showed a pattern, but the change of heart was slow-turning, reversible, and not very passionate.
Reluctance From the Right
The two demographics that showed considerable resistance were Christians and conservatives, both coming in at about 65% concern. It's not that they think marijuana is going to destroy the youth, they're just reluctant to give it a green light. No pun intended. Plus, it's illegal, which certainly adds weight to the issue from a right-leaning perspective.
Shrug From the Smokers
As usual, smokers tend to back the marijuana users. Drinkers, too, though not as much. It would be silly to condemn the use of marijuana when you're indulging in a relatively risky substance yourself. As far as we know, like the Top Opinion said, tobacco and alcohol have more risk involved. You might be better off without it, but weed never killed anyone. Not officially, at least.
If you'd like to vote on this question, dig deeper into the demographics, or engage in existing discussion about the topic, visit our poll about teen marijuana use. We'd love to hear from you!
Top Opinion
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wilsonmja 2012/05/05 01:05:53
+19Conservatives crack me up. From a conservative you would likely hear "guns don't kill people, people do." I happen to agree with the sentiment behind that. However, I also believe that drugs don't ruin lives, people ruin lives. For some reason a conservative cant see how it's the same thing.
Sorry buddy I have made a life for myself at an early age. I cannot say the same for you because you are obviously an intense pothead, very very defensive about being one, and probably because your life is nowhere, you are in denial, like 95% of potheads.
Problem is, when something is illegal, it makes it hard to quantify things like this. Am I a hard-worker? Yes. Do I excel in my field? Yes. If someone polls me to ask if I smoke pot, I'm probably going to lie.
The criminals would move on to other sources of illegal money acquisition. There would be a boom in burglaries and robbery. What do you think those criminals will do if they cant sell as much drugs as they did before? The black market wont be as large, they will be fighting over turf even more. Gang violence would go up to control areas.
Do you think magically drug dealers which also commit other crimes will just say "hey, I'm straightening my act because drugs are legal now." I dont have any education or experience in the work force, and more than likely have a 5 page rap sheet." You are very naive to think legalizing drugs would solve anything. It'll make things worse on all levels.
Admit it, my argument is sound and has got you thinking about it.
That quote has nothing to do with the legality of drugs....Why do libs always post a quote completely out of context. How about you read the entire speech.
Anyway, you have not given any reason as to why drugs should be legalized.
Jefferson's comment has nothing to do with the legality of drugs...Why do you keep posting presidential quotes out of context?
The constitution gives the government the power to regulate what we put into our bodies.