Impact of Marijuana Legalization on Prevalence of Maternal Marijuana Use and Perinatal Outcomes

Legalization of marijuana: potential impact on youth.

As experts in the health care of children and adolescents, pediatricians may be called on to advise legislators concerning the potential impact of changes in the legal status of marijuana on adolescents. Parents, too, may look to pediatricians for advice as they consider whether to support state-level initiatives that propose to legalize the use of marijuana for medical purposes or to decrimina...

Has Marijuana Legalization Increased Marijuana Use Among US Youth?

Since 2012, citizens in Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, and Washingtonhave voted to legalize the recreational use ofmarijuana by adults. Advocates of legalization have argued that prohibition wastes scarce law enforcement resourcesbyselectivelyarrestingminorityusers of a drug that has fewer adverse health effects than alcohol.1,2 It would be better, theyargue, to legalize, regulate,andtaxmarijuana, l...

The Legalization of Marijuana

The movement to legalize marijuana is a war being waged at the ballot box of many states. The movement is sponsored by a small group attempting to dictate changes in laws surrounding the use, as well as the cultivation and distribution of marijuana. Organizations such as NORML (National Organization for Reformed Marijuana Laws); The Lindesmith Center; and, the Drug Policy Group are pushing the ...

A Perspective on Marijuana Legalization

Counseling Parents and Teens About Marijuana Use in the Era of Legalization of Marijuana.

Many states have recently made significant changes to their legislation making recreational and/or medical marijuana use by adults legal. Although these laws, for the most part, have not targeted the adolescent population, they have created an environment in which marijuana increasingly is seen as acceptable, safe, and therapeutic. This clinical report offers guidance to the practicing pediatri...