It may come as no surprise that LA teens have been smoking a lot of weed. So much so that the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health released a report on underage marijuana use. In response to these findings, the County and a group of anti-smoking teens have released a rap video campaign. Here’s a look at the “Bigger Choices” videos that have been getting a lot of attention.
Everyone in LA is Blazing, Including the Underaged
LA is the biggest recreational weed market in the world. With all the buzz following legalization earlier this year, and increased weed accessibility, Los Angeles County is struggling with underage smoking rates.
A report released by the LACDPH confirmed as much. According to CBS Los Angeles, 26 percent of teens between the ages of 12 and 17 reported using marijuana at least once. Of these kids, about half admitted that they went to class high.
The report also looked at the situations in which kids are using marijuana, Specifically, almost 3/4 of teens smoked weed with friends.
Reporters have turned to high school students for comment on these findings. Many seem to agree that marijuana use is omnipresent. One of them explains to CBS, “I would see marijuana, like blunt wraps on the floor, on the bleachers, and people would smell it in the restroom.”
Another one told an extreme story about a weed smoker turned thief. “He started smoking marijuana a lot,” she said, “and then he stopped showing up to class, and now he, like, robbed a store to support his habit.”
“Bigger Choices” Hopes to Discourage Underage Marijuana Use
Galvanized by this report, the LA County recruited a diverse group of teens to talk about weed.