Research shows kids are using marijuana at earlier ages

CNN reports more that kids and teens are smoking marijuana at younger ages, according to data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

The survey found that there has been a 9 percent increase in the use of marijuana among kids age 12 or older. Analysts say that informing families of the negative effects of the drug can help keep children from attempting to use it.

The Office of National Drug Control Policy reports that using marijuana at the age of 12 can result in addiction, respiratory illness, weakened motor skills and cognitive impairment because the brain is still developing. Experts say that the effects of the drug can impact the child for years to come.

Schools for troubled teens can help those who suffer from addiction by providing recreational activities and education designed to help adolescents overcome obstacles affecting their everyday lives.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), nearly 26 million Americans ages 12 and older have used marijuana at least once within a year before the study. Furthermore, NIDA reports that 23.9 percent of 10th graders have used marijuana in the past year, while almost one-third of students in grade 12 have tried the drug.