Marijuana and methamphetamine use is increasing at a dramatic rate in San Diego County: specifically, marijuana use has hit a 14-year high, according to a new report by the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG.)
The report was based on interviews with 953 people last year as part of the county's substance abuse monitoring program.
Researchers found that nearly half of men arrested in San Diego County and one in three women tested positive for marijuana, the highest rate since 2000.
Meth abuse is also increasing dramatically, rising for the fifth straight year among men. Last year, 41 percent of male arrests tested positive for meth, a jump from 31 percent the previous year. Female meth use slightly declined last year, from 47 percent to 46 percent.
For some perspective: A decade ago, the percentage of men and women who used meth was less than 30 percent.
Other notable findings:
- For the first time, male arrestees tested positive for any drug at a higher rate than women.
- The average age of a first-time marijuana user is 14 and about 90 percent of arrestees reported using cannabis at some point in their life.
- More than half of those arrested have tried meth before.
- Those between 18 and 24 were more likely to use marijuana, while those 25 and older were more likely to do meth.
