Marijuana Consumption Up in Costa Rica

The monthly consumption of marijuana in Costa Rica has tripled over the past 5 years, increasing from 0.6% in 2006 to 2% in 2010, according to he latest national survery, the Encuesta Nacional de Hogares sobre el Consumo de Drogas del 2010.

The survey was conducted by the Instituto sobre Alcoholismo y Fármacodependencia (IAFA) - alcohol and drug institute.

Results also show that the start age for consuming Cannabis is now 16.5.

The perception of low risk among the increased use. "Young people think that the effects on the body are low...in addition to that binds the rise in cultural movements, where cannabis is part of a lifestyle that attracts many young people", said Margarita Odio, IAFA Psychologist.

The IAFA says that despite its popularity among young people using marijuana at an early age can lead to greater dependence

Other negative consequences associated with cannabis use are traffic accidents, respiratory system problems, mental disorders, legal problems, social and academic performance, particularly in adolescents.

Marijuana (Cannabis) is illegal in Costa Rica, but there is a high tolerance of smoking marijuana throughout the country, a decriminalization system is implemented de facto since police officers do not detain people carrying enough for only personal consumption, yet no amount has been defined as a minimum for possession.