SAN DIEGO.- Marijuana consumption and methamphetamine usage in San Diego County has spiked in the past years. Marijuana consumption has reached record levels since 2000 which is when the study first started monitoringdrug usage in the region. The study also indicates that drug usage levels overall have also increased.

The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) published its annual study on adult drug usage in San Diego, and analyzed substance abuse by persons arrested in the county. Drug addiction trends in general by those arrested reflects upon the general population and helps demonstrate which drugs are harming communities the most.

"These levels are the highest we have seen since we started monitoring narcotics in 2000, with 71 percent of men testing positive and 69 percent of women testing positive for marijuana, methamphetamines, opioid and cocaine," said Cynthia Burke, Director of Criminal Justice Investigations for SANDAG, in a press release.

During 2013, 48% of males arrested in the county tested positive for marijuana, while 34% tested positive. These levels are the highest for both sexes since 2000, and is a considerable uptick when compared to 2012.

In terms of methamphetamine usage, 41% of men tested positive in 2013 (compared to 31% in 2012), although there was a slight decrease in the female population from 47% in 2012 to 46% in 2013. However, this represents a general increase since 2000, when consumption for both sexes was less than 30%.

Oddly enough, in terms of arrested and processed persons, women have always been the primary drug users, unlike the general population where the majority of drug users are men. But, for the first time, men arrested are also the primary drug users.

Of those arrested (91% men and 88% women) reported having used marijuana at least once in their life, making this drug the most popularly used in the arrested population, and this is reflective of the population in general.

More than half of those processed (57% men and 69% women) have tried methamphetamine in their life. The average age of those arrested were 25 years or older, while younger persons primarily consumed marijuana.

In terms of racial groups, 50% of those who consume methamphetamine are white, more than any other group, while marijuana is primarily consumed by African-americans.

Director Burke stated that "unfortunately, there is no quick solution for this complex problem" and the reasons why people that are arrested use drugs are varied, ranging from mental health problems to economic problems; so, solutions must also be varied and consistent.

jose.sanchez@sandiegored.com

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