AAP strongly opposes marijuana use, supports decriminalization

1. Due to the proven negative cognitive and physical health effects of marijuana use in children ≤21 years of age, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) opposes the use of marijuana by children in this age group. The AAP also supports laws regulating the marketing, packaging, and sale of marijuana, especially with regards to minors.

2. The AAP supports the decriminalization of marijuana, as more strict criminal charges have lasting negative effects on youth. In turn, the organization encourages increased focus towards education and rehabilitation of adolescents with marijuana use problems.

Rundown:  Recreational marijuana use has become a legal activity in 4 states and the District of Columbia. Almost half of states have legalized the use of marijuana for medical purposes. As more states consider the legalization of marijuana use and possession, its effects on our country’s youth must be considered. As such, the AAP has updated its statement on the impact of marijuana policies on minors. The consequences of marijuana use on cognitive and physical health of children and adolescents is well studied. With this in mind, the AAP opposes marijuana use in children ages 21 or younger, including medical marijuana outside the FDA’s regulatory process, with some exceptions. The AAP also opposes further legalization of marijuana and strict regulations for access in states where it is already legal, in an effort to limit use by children and adolescents under 21. Pediatricians should serve as advocates in states where marijuana is legal and encourage regulations, such as strict penalties to those that sell to children and adolescents, childproof packaging to curb accidental ingestion, and limiting marketing directed towards young people. Further research on the effects of legalization on the adolescents’ behavior is also encouraged. The AAP strongly supports the decriminalization of marijuana to limit the pervasive negative impact of criminal charges on an adolescent’s permanent record. Rather, adolescents with marijuana use problems should be directed towards treatment. Finally, the AAP opposes smoking of marijuana due to smoking’s harmful health effects and discourages adults from smoking around minors, as this behavior can serve as a model for young people.

Click to read the policy statement, published today in Pediatrics 

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