A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry last April found 74% of teens surveyed in two Colorado substance abuse facilities had used “medical” marijuana intended for someone else.
The study surveyed 164 teens ages 14-18. Of these teens, 122 admitted to using “medical” marijuana; only 1 was legally qualified to do so.
The study also found “adolescents who used medical marijuana had an earlier age of regular marijuana use, more marijuana abuse and dependence symptoms, and more conduct disorder symptoms compared with those who did not use medical marijuana.”
The study concluded, “Medical marijuana use among adolescent patients in substance abuse treatment is very common, implying substantial diversion from registered users.”
These findings confirm concerns expressed by law enforcement in other states that “medical” marijuana simply contributes to illegal drug use, drug addiction, and criminal activity.
