In December 2016, a National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) survey of drug use, showed a decline of marijuana use among 8th and 10th graders. While this is encouraging, there continues to be a higher rate of marijuana use in states with medical marijuana laws. Over 38% of high school seniors in those states reported past-year use.

The pro-marijuana lobby has invested lots of money to convince teens that smoking cannabis is safer and has fewer consequences than alcohol or cigarettes. A recent RAND study found that teens in California who were exposed to medical marijuana advertising — which had made the drug much more visible to people of all ages —- were more likely to report using marijuana one year later.

Glamorization and wide-spread use of marijuana has removed any social stigma among youth. A disproportionate share of dispensaries resemble candy stores with lollipops, brownies, and gummy bears loaded with THC.

A teen doesn’t necessarily need to smoke a joint to get high. Just eat it.