For Immediate Release
For information contact:
Toni Montier, Gaudenzia Inc.
106 W. Main Street
Norristown, PA 19401
(610) 239-9600 x206

Increase in National Marijuana Treatment Admissions Driven by Increase in Criminal Justice Referrals

The number of treatment admissions reporting marijuana as a primary substance of abuse more than doubled from 1993 to 2003, according to data from the national Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS). There were 284,532 treatment admissions for marijuana use in 2003 (comprising 16% of all admissions), compared to 111,418 in 1993 (7% of all admissions). However, this increase was largely driven by an increase in admissions that were referred by the criminal justice system—from 48% in 1993 to 57% in 2003. Thus, the increase in marijuana treatment admissions may reflect changes in law enforcement and sentencing practices as well as actual changes in marijuana use and dependence.


Number of Marijuana Treatment Admissions and Percentage that Were Criminal Justice Referrals, 1993-2003

“It is clear that marijuana is by far the most widely used illicit drug. The criminal justice response of selecting alternatives to incarceration such as treatment programs, drug courts, TASC programs and the like is indeed an appropriate alternative as criminal justice officials realize that their system cannot sustain the long-term financial costs associated with the reliance on jails and prisons as a means of controlling crime. Research continues to support the fact that not only does treatment work, but it is also effective for court-mandated offenders. Alternatives to incarceration programs are not only cost effective, but good public policy.”

Michael D. Link, M.C.J.
Gaudenzia Eastern Region Director

Gaudenzia is Pennsylvania’s largest non-profit provider of drug, alcohol and mental health services, with additional programs in Maryland and Delaware.