The City of Long Beach has launched an informational campaign through the Department of Health and Human Services’ Cannabis Education Program to educate the public about safe cannabis use, the risk of cannabis use to developing minds and the risks and legal ramifications of driving under the influence of cannabis.
In 2017, the Cannabis Education Program, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Substance Abuse Prevention and Control (SAP-C), conducted a survey to better understand behaviors and perceptions surrounding cannabis and prescription drugs in the community. The survey finds that 46 percent of 18- to 25-year-olds in Long Beach who have used cannabis have driven while high.
Additional findings include:
• 72 percent of 18- to 25-year-olds agree or strongly agree that cannabis is harmful to the brain development of youth.
• 61.5 percent of adults over 18 years of age have used cannabis. This figure is similar among 18- to 25-year-olds (61 percent).
Of the 61 percent of 18- to 25-year-olds who have used cannabis:
• 83 percent use for fun.
• 67 percent to relax.
• 45 percent to get high.
• 44 percent to help sleep.
• 52 percent of 18- to 25-year-olds are getting cannabis from a friend, and 26 percent from a dispensary.
• 40 percent of 18- to 25-year-olds are using at home, followed by 22 percent at a friend’s, and 13 percent at a party or kickback other than a friend’s.
• 19 percent of 18- to 25-year-olds report cannabis caused them harm in the form of driving under the influence, and 17 percent say it affected their personal motivation to succeed. 60 percent report that it caused them no harm.
• 41 percent of 18- to 25-year-olds report having been in a car with someone driving under the influence.
• 43.5 percent of youth 12 to 17 years of age disapprove or strongly disapprove of someone their age using cannabis; 43.5 percent neither approve nor disapprove.
In total, 649 surveys were completed and analyzed. Respondents are divided into three age groups, in which:
• 17 percent of respondents were 12 to 17 years of age (108).
• 31 percent were 18 to 25 years of age (200).
• Over half (53 percent) were 25 and older (341).
The survey was circulated in Long Beach digitally across city-wide social-media channels, and via paper surveys distributed at various community events and recreation centers. Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs (ATOD) partners at Long Beach State University also distributed paper surveys to students at the university. Surveys were available in English, Spanish and Khmer.
The Cannabis Education Program serves those who live, work and play in Long Beach by being an unbiased and trusted resource for health and safety information related to cannabis and by ensuring that everyone can make informed decisions about cannabis use, according to city officials.
More information about survey results and the Cannabis Education Program are available at longbeach.gov/cannabisedu or marijuanaeducationprogram@longbeach.gov.
Source: City of LB
