Even though marijuana may be legal for adults, it is not safe for children and teens. Young brains are still growing, and using marijuana can cause real problems. Here are six important reasons why marijuana and kids don’t mix.

1. It can strongly affect young brains.
Did you know that your child’s brain keeps growing until about age 25? Studies show that using marijuana during the teen and young adult years can cause:
• Trouble thinking and solving problems
• Problems with memory and learning
• Slower reaction time and poor coordination
• Difficulty paying attention and staying focused

2. It can hurt school performance.
Using marijuana often can make school harder. Teens who use it regularly may struggle with grades and are less likely to succeed in college or future careers.

3. It has been linked to mental health problems.
More research is still needed, but cannabis use has been linked to anxiety and depression in teens. It may also trigger psychosis, which is a break from reality and can be an early sign of serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Teens who use marijuana may also have a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

4. It can damage your child’s lungs.
Marijuana smoke irritates the mouth, throat, and lungs, just like tobacco smoke. It contains many of the same harmful chemicals, including ones that can cause cancer. Using marijuana can lead to bronchitis, coughing, and mucus buildup, which can make it hard to sleep well.

5. It can make life more dangerous.
Activities like driving, biking, skateboarding, or playing sports while high can lead to serious accidents. Teens who are high may also take more sexual risks, which can cause long-term problems.

6. It can be addictive.
Many people think marijuana is not addictive, but that is not true. About 9 out of every 100 people who use marijuana become addicted. For those who start using it as teens, the risk increases to about 17 out of 100.