"Marijuana legalization and commercialization is a failed policy and this new report details the impact on many of our populations already impacted by alcohol and tobacco use," said Bob Doyle, Chair of Colorado SAM and a public health professional with more than 20 years of experience in tobacco prevention.
Highlights of the survey included:
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1 in 3 users are daily users
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Black adults in Colorado are using at almost 50% higher than the state average for adults; Hispanics have the lowest use rates
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Low income Colorado adults are using at higher rates than the state average
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Almost a third of 18-24 year olds are using marijuana
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Almost a third of gay and lesbian adults are using marijuana - more than twice the state average for adults
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Almost 1 in five reported driving after using marijuana
"The marijuana industry is getting rich while our communities, healthcare system, employers, and families pay the costs," Doyle added.