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All Chittenden County Residents are Healthy **Data for the ECOS health indicators are not yet available due to Health Department Staff being focused on COVID-19** and 3 more... less...

Substance Abuse

Substance Abuse

Substance Abuse

Percent of Adults Who Report Using Marijuana in the Past 30 days

Current Value

18%

2020

Definition

Line Bar Comparison

Story Behind the Curve

Overall, adult marijuana use has been stable over time. However, comparing young adults, 18-25 year olds, to those 26 and over, young adults are significantly more likely to using marijuana in the last month. To see this comparison, click on this indicator to make it full screen, then click the Toggle Comparison button. 

According to Vermont Young Adult Survey Data in 2014 for Chittenden County 18-25 year olds have easy access and low perception of risk of harm in regards to marijuana. When asked how easy it is to get marijuana, 87% of young adults said it was either very easy or somewhat easy. When asked how much people risk harming themselves when smoking marijuana weekly, 78% of young adults responded either no risk or slight risk. In the past 30 days, 44% of young adults in Chittenden County have used marijuana, which is significantly higher than the statewide average of 34%. Of the young adults who reported using marijuana in the past thirty days, 46% have used 20 or more days.

Why Is This Important?

Vermont has among the highest rates in the nation for marijuana use, other illicit drug use, binge drinking, and under-age drinking. Vermont has lower perception of risk of harm for marijuana use and binge drinking compared to the U.S.; lower perceived risk is directly related to higher prevalence of substance use.

There are several adverse health consequences of regular marijuana use especially among the youth and young adult populations. Heavy marijuana use has been associated with deteriorating cardiopulmonary health, increase in risk of stroke, and an increase in the risk of developing early schizophrenia and other mental disorders. In addition, early and persistent marijuana use has been linked to a decrease in cognitive functioning including a significant decline in IQ.

Note on Methodology

Due to BRFSS weighting methodology changes beginning in 2011, comparisons between data collected in 2011 and later and that from 2010 and earlier should be made with caution. Differences between data from 2011 forward and earlier years may be due to methodological changes, rather than changes in opinion or behavio

Partners

Vermont Department of Health

Local Community Coalitions

Local Colleges

Local Treatment Providers

Law Enforcement

Citation

Vermont Department of Health, Burlington District Office, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs

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