Eighth graders from one Indiana county continue to struggle with marijuana use

By Staff Writer

Recent Marion County, Indiana surveys show that area students in grade 8 are more likely to use cigarettes, alcohol and marijuana than other children throughout the nation, The Indianapolis Star reports.

Experts from the Drug Free Marion County program told the news source that the high rate of use could occur because of less funding being allocated toward prevention. Furthermore, they added that drugs may be more accessible in the state and a lack of community network to address it has worsen the problem.

According to the study, nearly 17 percent of Marion County eighth graders reportedly used marijuana in the 30 days leading up to the survey, compared to approximately 21 percent of high school students nationwide.

Officials noted that many young children believe that marijuana can do little harm, especially since 15 states have legalized it for medicinal purposes.

Prevention programs in the state are beginning to apply for federal grants in an effort to curb marijuana use in teens. Currently, officials added that if Drug Free Marion County receives the $125,000 federal funding, they will be able to spend almost double of what they normally do in combating drug abuse.