In recent years, marijuana has gone through a major image change. What was once seen as a dangerous drug is now often viewed as harmless—or even healthy. It’s legal for recreational use in many states, sold in fancy packaging, and talked about casually in movies, songs, and social media. To a young person growing up today, marijuana might seem like no big deal. But here’s the thing: perception doesn’t always match reality. For teenagers and young adults, using marijuana isn’t just a casual decision—it can carry long-term consequences. It affects how the brain grows and functions, can lower motivation, and may even impact emotional well-being. That’s why it’s still crucial to talk about marijuana prevention, especially now that access to the drug is more widespread and socially accepted.
Like others have said, the key to protecting the safety of children while also protecting the freedom of grown adults from enjoying a recreational drug is education. That means lifting legal barriers so that we may study the plant in academic and clinical settings.
I agree that sometimes in our effort to promote progressive legislation on cannabis, we paint a very pretty picture. But I think the risk profile is rather low. And much like with other legal recreational drugs like alcohol or tobacco, young adults need good mentors to equip them with the information and resources to explore responsibly. Because they will explore.