A recent study further refutes the notion advanced by advocates of legalized marijuana that use of the mood-altering substance is harmless.
The research, published in the Oct. 5 issue of Pediatrics, found 12-year-old students who had positive views about marijuana were more likely than peers with negative views to drive under the influence when they were 16.
Specifically, researchers from the Rand Corp. compared students age 12, in sixth or seventh grade, and determined those with favorable views about marijuana were 63 percent more likely than those with unfavorable attitudes to drive under the influence or ride with an impaired driver.
In addition, the study found students who were most confident about their ability to resist marijuana use were 89 percent more likely to drive after using mood-altering substances, either alcohol or drugs.
"Youth view marijuana use as less dangerous than drinking," the authors of the study wrote. "We must begin to address how changing views of marijuana might increase risk for not only marijuana use, but other behaviors."
Efforts to legalize the medical and/or recreational use of marijuana have been approved in a number of states. In Missouri, supporters now are engaged in a petition effort to legalize medical marijuana.
Sadly, legalization reinforces the unsubstantiated view that marijuana use is without consequences.
The study's authors wrote: "As medical and recreational legalization increases in our country, adolescents are becoming more accepting of marijuana use. This highlights the need to address these types of beliefs as early as sixth grade."
The local Council for Drug Free Youth is engaged in a campaign titled "Weed Out the Myths." The campaign includes a contest to create a brief video, no more than two minutes long, using the theme, "Marijuana is Harmful."
The videos, eligible for prizes up to $250, will be shown at a public event at 6 p.m. Oct. 26 in the Jefferson City High School Little Theater, 609 Union St.
We understand that people hold differing views about marijuana use. Ongoing research, however, continually is divulging new information.
We encourage people to be open to new information and to evaluate the consequences of sanctioning and expanding the use of mood-altering substances, particularly among young people.