But supports compassionate use for children with debilitating, terminal illnesses
MONDAY, Jan. 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Marijuana shouldn’t be legalized because of the potential harm it can cause children and adolescents, the American Academy of Pediatrics says. However, the group’s updated policy statement, published online Jan. 26 in Pediatrics, does support the compassionate use of marijuana for children with debilitating or terminal illnesses.
The academy supports decriminalizing marijuana, which means offenses would result in civil penalties or lesser criminal charges than they currently carry. But, the AAP recommends this be done in conjunction with programs to prevent marijuana use and provide early treatment for adolescents with marijuana use problems. The statement also includes steps to protect children in states that have legalized marijuana for recreational or medicinal use.
In adolescents, marijuana can cause memory and concentration problems that may lead to difficulties in school. Also, the drug can impair motor control, coordination, and judgment, leading to an increased risk of accidental injury and death, according to the AAP. What’s more, the AAP pointed out that regular use of marijuana can lead to poorer lung health, psychological problems, and a greater chance of drug dependence in adulthood.
“We know marijuana can be very harmful to adolescent health and development,” Seth Ammerman, M.D., a member of the AAP Committee on Substance Abuse and an author of the policy statement, said in an academy news release. “Making it more available to adults — even if restrictions are in place — will increase the access for teens. Just the campaigns to legalize marijuana can have the effect of persuading adolescents that marijuana is not dangerous, which can have a devastating impact on their lifelong health and development.”
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