Because it is the most widely used illicit drug, marijuana is predictably the first illicit drug most people encounter. Not surprisingly, most users of other illicit drugs have used marijuana first. ... In 1999, 5.6 percent of youth nonsmokers used illicit drugs, while among youths who used cigarettes, the rate of past month illicit drug use was 41.1 percent. The rate of illicit drug use was also associated with the level of alcohol use. ... Among nondrinkers, only 5.5 percent were current illicit drug users." ...

• Word Count: 4899
• Approx Pages: 20

Because it is the most widely used illicit drug, marijuana is predictably the first illicit drug most people encounter. Not surprisingly, most users of other illicit drugs have used marijuana first. ... In 1999, 5.6 percent of youth nonsmokers used illicit drugs, while among youths who used cigarettes, the rate of past month illicit drug use was 41.1 percent. The rate of illicit drug use was also associated with the level of alcohol use. ... Among nondrinkers, only 5.5 percent were current illicit drug users." ...

• Word Count: 4953
• Approx Pages: 20

Definition The use of illicit or illegal drugs or the abuse of prescription or over-the-counter drugs for purposes other than those for which they are indicated or in a manner or in quantities other than directed. ... Drug laws have tried to keep up with the changing perceptions and real dangers of substance abuse. By 1970 over 55 federal drug laws and countless state laws specified a variety of disciplinary measures, including life imprisonment and even the death penalty. ... While possession was made illegal, the severest penalties were reserved for illicit distribution and manufacture of...

• Word Count: 5106
• Approx Pages: 20
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

INTRODUCTION Marijuana - often called pot, grass, reefer, weed, herb, mary jane, or mj - is the Nation's most commonly used illicit drug. ... Marijuana is the third most popular recreational drug of choice for Americans, exceeded only by alcohol and tobacco in popularity.3 Types of Drugs Used by Past Month Illicit Drug Users Aged 12 or Older: 2002 Marijuana penalties vary nation wide. ... Federal laws prohibiting marijuana are also severe. ... Under legislation signed into law in 1996 states may deny cash aid (e.g., welfare, etc) and food stamps to anyone convicted of f...

• Word Count: 2773
• Approx Pages: 11
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

The statement has been made for several years, by groups ranging from law enforcement to political, that our local, state, and federal prisons are running out of room because of the number of people incarcerated for drug-related offenses. ... A number of advocates for legalization have suggested that the workload on local law enforcement would ease if marijuana were legal. They suggest that law enforcement resources that had been dedicated to catching marijuana related offenders could now dedicate their efforts to other less demanding areas within the local community. ... The advocates claim ...

• Word Count: 4020
• Approx Pages: 16
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Since the 1930's the government has made this drug illegal for US> citizens despite many attempts to legalize the drug. Many claim the drug is less dangerous and addictive than other legal drugs such as nicotine and alcohol. ... Despite all of this, these drugs are legal. ... However, the definition of a gateway drug is not only pointed at marijuana, but other drugs as well. ... Considering any drug a gateway drug can also be coincidental. ...

• Word Count: 3573
• Approx Pages: 14
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School