Marijuana and adolescents

Marijuana is the most frequently used illicit drug in the United States. The health risks associated with its use are underestimated by adolescents, their parents, and health care providers. This article identifies current trends regarding marijuana use among adolescents and provides a summary of current information about the risks of marijuana use for both users and society at large. It also urges physicians and other health care providers to be aware of the dangers of marijuana as well as the subtle and seemingly unexplained changes in adolescent behavior belying its use. In addition, it calls attention to the magnitude of the problem of marijuana use among teens; the importance of educating adolescents and parents-and the community at large-about the prevalence of its use, how to detect use, and its associated effects on health; and the need for professional counseling for youths who are using the drug.