What is Legal

Current research shows that marijuana (also known as cannabis or weed) has a negative impact on brain development and the mental health of young people, including anxiety, problem-solving, and memory. Young people should abstain or wait to start using marijuana.

In California, you must be 21 or older to use, purchase, or possess marijuana. Anyone under 18 caught using marijuana may be subject to counseling and community service. If a friend or family member buys marijuana legally and gives it to someone under the age of 21, they are breaking the law and are subject to punishment.

• If marijuana is a natural plant, isn’t it healthier to use instead of alcohol or other drugs?
  Yes, marijuana is a plant but marijuana smoke can damage your lungs and cardiovascular system (heart and blood vessels) just like tobacco. People who smoke marijuana inhale deeper and hold the smoke for longer, which increases tar exposure when compared to cigarettes.
  
  The ingredients and strengths of marijuana are not the same from plant to plant. Right now, there's no way to know for sure what kind and how much of a chemical you're getting, as the levels of THC in marijuana continues to increase.
• If I am still under 21, why shouldn’t I smoke weed?
  Right now, there's no way to know for sure what kind and how much of a chemical you’re getting from home-grown plants. Your brain is still developing until the age of 25. Using weed regularly can damage your still developing brain and limit your full potential. Regular use of weed at a young age can lead to addiction and a higher risk for depression.
• Can I use marijuana for medical reasons if I’m under 21?
  Medical marijuana is legal if you are 18 years or older with a doctor’s recommendation. Like using another’s prescription medication, if you use someone else’s medical marijuana, it’s illegal, even if they offer it to you.

Let’s Talk About Consequences

Driving High
Contrary to some beliefs out there, driving high does not make you a better driver. Marijuana can affect your reaction time, body movement, and judgment of time and depth. All things that are necessary to drive and if affected can make it more dangerous for you and other people on the road.

Job
Getting a job while you’re a teen is something that you should be proud of. Making extra money is amazing. However, if you break a drug-free work policy because you are using weed, it may cause you to lose your job. Plus, you jeopardize future opportunities: requesting job references, securing an even better job, and being able to list this job on your college application.

Break School Policy
Breaking school drug policy can result in removal from your sport's team and extracurricular activities, in addition to suspension, expulsion, and drug counseling. It’s an unnecessary series of headaches and frustrations that you don’t need in your life. Students who violate school policy may be required to an intensive program as directed by the school. Learn more here.

Circle of Trust
Your family, friends, teachers, and coaches are all a part of your core support system. They trust you are making the best decisions to reach every goal you want to achieve. Using marijuana can cause you to lose that trust and using weed will get in the way of those goals.

Additional Resources