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Last updated on Thursday, September 10, 2015
(UNDATED) - Marijuana use among young people is on the rise.
WFIE reports, officials say teens now see the drug as less risky than in years past.
According to experts, a growing number of teenagers think the occasional use of marijuana is no big deal and that it won't hurt them.
At a forum Tuesday night, officials say the behaviors and attitudes of students in 6th through 12th grades in Warrick County reflect the national trend.
From 2013 to 2014, the number of 6th graders who say using marijuana as less risky more than tripled.
Experts on the panel say some students use marijuana as a coping mechanism.
It's available. It's cheap. And they'll use it to self-medicate.
Some students on the panel say they agree with the new research and know students in their school who smoke pot on a regular basis.
"I know that there are students at our school using it," said Alex Hardgrave, a student at Castle High School.
"And I think the main reason that they're doing that is because they don't see it as risky, as it's been said before, because the risks aren't shown to them as often as they are alcohol and tobacco."
"And, I think legalization has been confusing for them because they're seeing it being used as medication, which implies it's good and safe."
But experts say there is a danger to abusing marijuana.
They say the THC level in pot is growing higher, which can lead to brain damage.
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