How Often Coloradans Smoke Pot, Sniff Cocaine and More According to the Feds

More than 12 percent of Coloradans use illegal drugs every month. That's among the Colorado-specific findings of a report from the National Surveys on Drug Use and Health. The stats are drawn from 2011 and 2012, which may make them a little behind the curve: As the Washington Post points...

By Michael Roberts

August 8, 2014

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More than 12 percent of Coloradans use illegal drugs every month. That's among the Colorado-specific findings of a report from the National Surveys on Drug Use and Health. The stats are drawn from 2011 and 2012, which may make them a little behind the curve: As the Washington Post points out, the figures show that Rhode Island is the top state for marijuana use, with Colorado placing sixth. But the data still provides a fascinating glimpse into our use of and attitudes about marijuana, cocaine and more. Check out the photo-illustrated results below.

Past Month Illicit Drug Use 12+ (Coloradans age twelve and above): 12.24 percent
12-17 (Coloradans age twelve through seventeen): 13.17 percent

18-25 (Coloradans age eighteen through 25): 29.75 percent

26+ (Coloradans age 26 or older): 9.18 percent

18+ (Coloradans age eighteen or older): 12.15 percent

Past Year Marijuana Use 12+: 16.22 percent
12-17:17.64 percent

18-25: 39.39 percent

26+:12.14 percent

18+:16.08 percent

Continue for more statistics about Coloradans' use of and attitudes toward marijuana, cocaine and more. Past Month Marijuana Use 12+: 10.41 percent
12-17: 10.47 percent

18-25: 26.81 percent

26+: 7.63 percent

18+:10.40 percent

Past Month Use of Illicit Drugs Other Than Marijuana 12+: 3.64 percent
12-17: 4.14 percent

18-25: 8.06 percent

26+: 2.84 percent

18+: 3.59 percent

Continue for more statistics about Coloradans' use of and attitudes toward marijuana, cocaine and more. Past Year Cocaine Use 12+: 2.41 percent
12-17: 1.09 percent

18-25: 8.83 percent

26+: 1.49 percent

18+: 2.55 percent

Past Year Nonmedical Pain Reliever Use 12+: 5.05 percent
12-17: 7.15 percent

18-25: 12.18 percent

26+: 3.59 percent

18+: 4.83 percent

Continue for more statistics about Coloradans' use of and attitudes toward marijuana, cocaine and more. Perception of Great Risk of Smoking Marijuana Once a Month 12+: 24.11 percent
12-17: 21.57 percent

18-25: 11.71 percent

26+: 26.53 percent

18+: 24.37 percent

Average Annual Rate of First Use of Marijuana 12+: 2.34 percent
12-17: 7.49 percent

18-25: 9.43 percent

26+: 0.25 percent

18+: 1.41 percent

Send your story tips to the author, Michael Roberts.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

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