Medical associations against marijuana legalization

What do medical organizations think about marijuana legalization?  Read the statements below . . .


The American Medical Association’s Policy Statement on Cannabis
Our AMA believes that (1) cannabis is a dangerous drug and as such is a public health concern; (2) sale and posesession of marijuana should not be legalized.

The American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement on Marijuana Legalization

The American Academy of Pediatrics opposes the legalization of marijuana. 

Substance abuse by adolescents is an ongoing concern of pediatricians.  Marijuana is the illicit substance most commonly abused by adolescents.  Any change in the legal status of marijuana, even if limited to adults, could affect the prevalence of use among adolescents.  For example, tobacco and alcohol products, both legal for adults 18 and 21 years of age, respectively, are the psychoactive substances most widely abused by adolescents. 

The American Society of Addiction Medicine Marijuana Policy Position

Since 1994, the American Society of Addiction Medicine has held as policy that we oppose any changes in law and regulation that would lead to a sudden significant increase in the availablity of any dependence-producing drug.  This policy includes marijuana, a mood-altering drug capable of producing dependence as well as serious negative mental, emotional, behavioral and physical consequences.  

Learn more by visiting WASAVP's Marijuana Education Toolkit!