Marijuana Arrests, Use Increase A treatment expert in Ames says marijuana smoking rose when meth use 'became more dangerous.' Marijuana arrests in Iowa increased 41 percent from 1995 to 1999, according to state crime statistics, and treatment centers say more clients are using the drug. Janet Zwick, director of the state Division of Substance Abuse and Health Promotion, said the percentage of clients who reported marijuana use jumped from 11 percent in 1994 to 20.9 percent in 2000. "We've seen sort of a gradual increase in marijuana use," she said. [continues 566 words]
Most users of ecstasy are said to be between 12 and 24 years old. Authorities are gearing up to fight the youth party drug, ecstasy, fearing that its use is poised to skyrocket in Iowa. A six-state task force that combats methamphetamine is shifting its focus to include club drugs, such as ecstasy, U.S. Attorney Stephen Rapp of Cedar Rapids said Thursday. Bruce Upchurch, Iowa"s drug policy coordinator, said drug informants and young people increasingly report encountering ecstasy around the state. [continues 655 words]
