According to a recent survey from the National Institute for Drug Abuse, more U.S. adolescents smoke marijuana than smoke cigarettes. The organization’s annual survey revealed an increase in marijuana use among all teen groups and a slight decrease in tobacco use among high-school seniors compared to past years. Federal officials speculate that teens are starting to listen to the warnings about the risks of tobacco use but are receiving mixed messages about the safety of marijuana use. While antidrug organizations such as Drug-Free America maintain their message that marijuana impairs judgment and hampers brain development, clinical studies support the medicinal benefits of marijuana, particularly for those suffering from certain cancers and Crohn’s disease. These studies have sparked a national debate about the legalization of marijuana. More than a dozen states and the District of Columbia have legalized the use of medical marijuana, and there is a push for the nationwide legalization of the drug. The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy asserts that the message that marijuana use is okay for some is dangerous. The office insists that both policy makers and the general public should be aware of the effect the debate over the legalization of marijuana has on teens’ perception of the drug’s risk.

1. The passage implies which of the following about teen drug use?

A. The Office of National Drug Control is concerned about teen tobacco use.
B. Marijuana has many health benefits for teens.
C. Teens are aware of health risks associated with smoking.
D. Drug-Free America suspects that teen marijuana use will continue to rise.
E. Teens support legislation to legalize marijuana.


2. The passage predicts which of the following would follow the legalization of marijuana?

A. It may increase the use of illegal street drugs.
B. It may decrease the frequency of teen tobacco use.
C. It may cause teens to believe that marijuana use is harmless.
D. It may change antidrug organizations’ stance on the drug’s use.
E. It may increase the safety of the drug’s use.


3. According to the passage, what is the “mixed message” that teens are receiving about marijuana?

A. Its use is acceptable for individuals older than age 18, but not for individuals younger than age 18.
B. It has legitimate health benefits for the ill, but it has serious health risks.
C. Its use is acceptable in some states, but not acceptable in other states.
D. It is safer to use than tobacco, but it is still an unsafe drug.
E. Its use is approved by the government, but not by teens’ parents.