Teens

Marijuana

Marijuana use before the age of 18 increases the risk of physiological and psychological harm.

Marijuana and Teens
Many teenagers try marijuana and some use it regularly. Teenage marijuana use is at its highest level in 30 years, and today’s teens are more likely to use marijuana than tobacco. Many states allow recreational use of marijuana in adults ages 21 and over. Recreational marijuana use by children and teenagers is not legal in anywhere in the United States. Today’s marijuana plants are grown differently than in the past and can contain two to three times more tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the ingredient that makes people high. The ingredient of the marijuana plant thought to have most medical benefits, cannabidiol (CBD), has not increased and remains at about 1%.

Know the Risks of Marijuana
Marijuana use comes with real risks that can impact a person’s health and life. Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal substance in the U.S. and its use is growing. Marijuana use among all adult age groups, both sexes, and pregnant women is going up. At the same time, the perception of how harmful marijuana use can be is declining. Increasingly, young people today do not consider marijuana use a risky behavior. But there are real risks for people who use marijuana, especially youth and young adults, and women who are pregnant or nursing. Today’s marijuana is stronger than ever before. People can and do become addicted to marijuana.

HB 2312 Marijuana; legalization of simple possession, etc.
Marijuana; legalization; retail sales; penalties. Eliminates criminal penalties for simple possession of marijuana, modifies several other criminal penalties related to marijuana, and provides for an automatic expungement process for those convicted of certain marijuana-related crimes to have such crimes automatically expunged by July 1, 2026. The bill creates the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (the Authority) and establishes a regulatory structure for the cultivation, manufacture, wholesale, and retail sale of retail marijuana and retail marijuana products, to be administered by the Authority. The bill contains social equity provisions that, among other things, provide support and resources to persons and communities that have been historically and disproportionately affected by drug enforcement. The bill has staggered effective dates and allows retail marijuana sales to begin on January 1, 2024.

Talking About Cannabis (For Teens)
As you grow older, you will be exposed to new beginnings, experiences, and challenges. This time in your life can have a significant impact on your future, so it is important to make responsible decisions. You may have heard a lot about cannabis from your friends, social media, or the news. Learning the facts and choosing not to use cannabis during your teen years will help you become a better leader and set you up for a safe and healthy future. This toolkit is designed to provide you with useful information and resources to make safe and healthy decisions about cannabis.

Facts For Teens

• 7/1/2021 in Virginia, recreational use of marijuana in adults ages 21 and over only.
• Recreational marijuana use by children and teens is still not legal in in Virginia.
• Children and teens could face fines and be required to attend substance use treatment
  programs.
• Today’s marijuana plants are grown differently than in the past and can contain 2 to 3 times more tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the ingredient that makes people high.
• The ingredient of the marijuana plant thought to have most medical benefits, cannabidiol (CBD), has not increased and remains at about 1%.

Debunking Common Myths

Percentage Marijuana Use Among Adolescent Students in the United States