Marijuana is closing the gap with alcohol as the most used illegal substance among youth. This is concerning because growing scientific evidence illustrates that regular use of marijuana beginning in teen years can negatively impact brain development. Most notably the regions that control memory, impulse control, motivation, learning and decision making. Heavy use in adolescence or early adulthood has been associated with poor school performance, higher dropout rates, greater unemployment and lower life satisfaction. To learn more about the concerns associated with marijuana, check out the following links:

• Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Position Statement
• Marijuana Impaired Driving
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention Marijuana and Public Health