An Open Letter to Parents:
Here's What the Experts Say about Marijuana and Teens
"Marijuana is not a benign drug. Use impairs learning and judgment, and may lead to the development of mental health problems."
- American
Medical Association 
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"Smoking marijuana can injure or destroy lung tissue. In fact, marijuana smoke contains 50 to 70 percent more of some cancer causing chemicals than does tobacco smoke."
- American Lung Association
"Teens who are high on marijuana are less able to make safe, smart decisions about sex - including saying no. Teens who have used marijuana are four times more likely to have been pregnant or gotten someone pregnant than teens who haven't."
- National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy
"Marijuana can impair perception and reaction time, putting young drivers, their passengers and others on the road in danger. Teens, the highest risk driving population, should avoid anything that might impair their ability to operate a vehicle safely."
- American Automobile Association
"Marijuana use may trigger panic attacks, paranoia, and even psychoses, especially if you are suffering from anxiety, depression or having thinking problems."
- American Psychiatric Association
"Marijuana can impair concentration and the ability to retain information during a teen's peak learning years."
- National Education Association
"Recent research has indicated that for some people there is a correlation between frequent marijuana use and aggressive or violent behavior. This should be a concern to parents, community leaders, and to all Americans."
- The National Crime Prevention Council
And, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, marijuana can be addictive. In fact, more teens are in treatment with a primary diagnosis of marijuana dependence than for all other illegal drugs combined.
Teens say their parents are the single most important influence when it comes to drugs. Know their friends. Ask them where they are going and when they will be home. Take time to listen. Talk to your teens about marijuana. To learn more about marijuana and how to keep your teens drug-free, visit www.theantidrug.com or call 800-788-2800.
