IJSR International Journal of Scientific Research 2277 - 8179 Indian Society for Health and Advanced Research ijsr-6-1-9998 Original Research Paper Cannabis Use in Adolescence A 4Year Experience TURAN SONMEZ Dr. Turkay AKBAS Dr. January 2017 6 1 01 02 ABSTRACT

 Introduction: Cannabinoids are becoming increasingly popular in adolescent age group as an abused substance.

Aim: To investigate adolescent age group cannabis users admitted to a tertiary care hospital.

Materials and Methods: Hospital database was screened for ‘’ cannabis drug level’’, ‘’drug abuse’’ and ‘’substance abuse’’. Positive reports for the presence of cannabinoids in urine were included. Cases with 13–18 years of age were included.

Results: Hospital data scanning results showed 392 patents estimated for cannabis abuse suspicions throughout 4 year, among whom 75 patients were for positive urine drug testing.

Men made up 86. 2 % of the patients, the average age of users didn’t change significantly in four years with mean age of 17 years old.  The percentages of cannabis users increased  in years; and the winter was found to be  the most prevalent season.

Majority of the patients (49.3 %) were from forensic medicine out clinic

Patients admitted to the hospital were discharged on the same day.

None of the patients died.

Conclusion: Substance of abuse can cause potentially serious health care conditions that necessitate emergency evaluation. The widespread use of cannabinoids among adolescents draws attention to the need for further study of cannabis dependence as an important topic in public health.