Connecticut
Treatment Delays for Teens with Cannabis Use Disorder Impacting Pensacola Area
As federal officials consider whether to reclassify marijuana under federal drug law, a new study has found that more American teenagers seeking treatment for cannabis use disorder, known as CUD, are facing longer wait times before receiving care. The study,…
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Key points
- 34% of teens seeking treatment for cannabis use disorder faced admission delays in 2022.
- The risk of developing cannabis use disorder increases significantly with continued use.
- Local health officials may need to enhance early identification and treatment access strategies.
NewsWK — As conversations around marijuana reclassification continue at the federal level, a recent study reveals that a growing number of teenagers in the United States seeking treatment for cannabis use disorder (CUD) are facing significant delays in receiving care. For residents in Pensacola and surrounding areas, this trend is concerning as it highlights challenges within local treatment facilities.
The study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, analyzed data from over 124,000 adolescent admissions to publicly funded substance use treatment facilities between 2012 and 2022. It found that nearly 34% of adolescents aged 12 to 17 experienced delays in treatment admission in 2022, a notable increase from the 25% reported in 2015.
With adolescent cannabis use remaining stable or slightly declining, the study indicates that about 11% of young cannabis users develop CUD within a year, and the risk increases to about 20% with continued use. Local health officials and treatment centers in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties may need to address these delays proactively to ensure timely access to care for affected youth.
Yiota Kitsantas, the lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts across healthcare systems. “Having proactive screening in primary care and school settings could promote early identification and hopefully then ensure timely access to care,” she noted. This approach could be vital for local institutions, including the Escambia County School District and health agencies, working to combat rising treatment needs.
The study also highlighted disparities in treatment access, with youth living with parents experiencing longer waits compared to those without stable housing. Furthermore, male adolescents were found to have higher odds of treatment delays than females, and younger teens aged 12 to 14 faced more pronounced wait times from 2018 to 2022.
These findings come at a crucial time as local officials and organizations evaluate the impact of cannabis policies on public health. Efforts to regulate cannabis potency and ensure safe products have been ongoing, with some states, including Connecticut, recently reinstating THC limits amidst concerns about health effects from high-potency cannabis. As Pensacola navigates these challenges, the implications for our youth and community resources will be significant.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Based on reporting by Amanda Watford originally published by Stateline. Read the original story.
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