Statistics on Marijuana Usage in Austin, Texas
Behavioral health statistics show that the use of the cannabis plant as well as synthetic cannabinoids has increased in Austin along with many other areas of Texas. Cannabis use disorder research suggests that addiction to marijuana is also increasing as THC levels rise.
Despite the prevalent misconceptions, natural cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids can be addictive. While the withdrawal symptoms may not be as severe as other drugs, a person can still develop a cannabis dependence that leads to an addiction or other types of drug use.
It’s a concern for health officials in Texas as the latest statistics on marijuana drug abuse show people are using a broader range of THC products. At the same time, more than two thirds of Texans now support the legalization of recreational marijuana, which would make access to cannabis readily available for anyone 21 and older.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- 14.74% of the Texas population has used marijuana in the past year.
- Average age someone first uses cannabis is 17 years old.
- In 2022, 15.7% of students in Texas secondary school had used cannabis.
- 36% of University of Texas college students say they have used marijuana.
- Only 22.87% of people in Texas who need substance use treatment receive care.
Statistics on Cannabis Use Disorder in Austin and Texas
The Role of Medical Marijuana Use
In Texas, cannabis use is fairly common. Research from 2022 revealed that 14.74% of Texans have used cannabis in the past year. That works out to be 3.613 million people. Additionally, just over 9% of the population had used marijuana in the previous month.
When we look at young adults in Texas, cannabis use becomes more common. When the University of Texas conducted a National College Health Assessment in 2021, 36% of students said they had used marijuana. Another study found that 40% of Texas college students had used cannabis at some point.
It’s important to know about 15% of people that regularly use cannabis will become addicted.
Texas approved medical marijuana use through the Texas Compassionate Use Program. It’s a highly regulated program that is only open to people with specific health conditions. Even then only cannabis products containing low THC levels are allowed.
Although there are therapeutic uses, the benefits of medical marijuana use may not be significant for many people. Across the country thousands of doctors prescribe marijuana for medicinal purposes like reducing muscle spasms, pain, nausea and vomiting. Despite tight regulations, there’s the increased risk for drug abuse because patients are essentially self-medicating with little oversight once they have received a prescription.
Concerns About Recreational and Medical Marijuana Use in Texas
Doctors can prescribe marijuana for medicinal purposes, but like prescription painkillers, that doesn’t mean it won’t be used by someone else or misused by the patient.
One of the most negative consequences of cannabis use disorder is that it can lead to other drug use. That is a major concern with allowing medical marijuana use. The American Addiction Centers found that the use of alcohol, cannabis and tobacco is the most common combination of substances taken. It’s common for someone who has only used cannabis to then consume alcohol.
Secondhand marijuana smoke is another health concern. Inhalation of any type of carcinogen isn’t good for a person’s health. Smoking cannabis will become a hazard for others due to incidental inhalation, even if it’s done at home.
Another factor that has delayed legal marijuana use in Texas is concern about an increase in motor vehicle accidents due to people driving under the influence. Unlike alcohol, it’s difficult to measure how impaired a person is if they have THC in their system. The effects of THC can last to some degree for up to 48 hours.
Lack of Treatment in Texas for Marijuana Use Disorders
Experts anticipate that it will become more common to have cannabis use disorder diagnosed in Austin now that possession has been decriminalized and people can use or smoke marijuana for medicinal purposes. But that doesn’t mean we’ll see more Texans looking for professional help to overcome a cannabis use disorder.
It’s estimated that only 22.87% of Texans that need substance use treatment get help. This comes at a time when there are advance therapies to treat patients for cannabis use disorder.
Marijuana is often the first or second drug that a person uses. Only alcohol outranks cannabis as the first substance used, but often they go hand-in-hand. Many people who first use cannabis go on to abuse alcohol as well. It could lead to a situation where a person is struggling with not one but two addictions simultaneously, which is why controlling marijuana use is so important.
Yale University is taking the lead and providing more research on treating cannabis use disorder to come up with novel solutions. What makes Yale Medicine’s approach to cannabis is it makes the connection between cannabis use, brain function and mental health effects. Effective treatment options for cannabis use disorder include motivational interviews, contingency management, cognitive behavioral therapy and participation in support groups.
How Cannabis Use in Austin and Texas Compares to National Statistics
U.S. adults use cannabis more than any other illicit drug. Just as troubling to health experts is the fact that marijuana is gaining popularity. Marijuana is second only to alcohol when people are asked what drug they used first, but the number of people using marijuana first has increased.
Cannabis use statistics show that even though Texas has not approved recreational marijuana use, the rates of consumption are similar to what’s seen nationally. The SAMHSA data shows that in 2023 15.4% of Americans used cannabis. Just the year before in 2022, SAMHSA noted that 14.74% of Texans did so.
However, cannabis use varies by age. The age group most likely to consume cannabis was 18 to 25 years old. In that group the rate of cannabis use is 25.2%. Research on cannabis use in college students suggest that the rate in this age group is similar in Texas.
Cannabis/Marijuana Use Disorder Among Teens in Austin, TX
Age is one of the top risk factors for cannabis addiction. We now know that people who begin smoking cannabis at a young age are more likely to develop an addiction to marijuana. What’s worse is that many teens are using cannabis despite significant negative impacts on brain development.
Teen Cannabis Use Statistics
The American Addiction Centers conducted a large survey that found the first instance of marijuana use is at 17 years old on average in the U.S. In Texas the statistic is a little more troubling.
When the Texas School Survey (TSS) of Drugs & Alcohol Use asked high school seniors when they first used marijuana the average was 15.2 years old. The TSS Drug & Alcohol Use survey also found that 15.7% of kids between the ages of 12 and 17 used cannabis in 2022.
The 2022 Texas SAMHSA survey found a similar rate of marijuana use for the general population. During that year 14.74% percent of Texans used marijuana. This similar rate of use would suggest that many people who begin smoking cannabis or using another form of marijuana during high school continue using it into adulthood.
Need support to fully recover from a cannabis use disorder?
Any Length Retreat is equipped to treat patients for cannabis use disorder in an effective and caring way. We specialize in treatment options for men that are holistic and focused on long-term support. Our team of health professionals will help you through withdrawal symptoms, create a positive structure in your life and give you the resources you need to live cannabis-free.
Connect with our team to find out about our recovery retreats for men.
You can overcome alcohol addiction and recover your life, and Any Length Retreat’s men’s alcohol rehab program can help. Call or text (512) 960-1440 to begin your journey today. We’re standing by 24/7 to help you get started.
*Any Length Retreat is a supportive, educational recovery system and community. It is not a substitute for psychotherapy, clinical, or medical treatment for substance use disorders or mental health disorders.
