Pediatric physicians should revisit approaches to marijuana

Jonathan Reiss, M.D., from the University of California in San Diego, and colleagues discussed the implications of legalizing marijuana, specifically the impact on minors.

The researchers note that supporters of legalization argue that it will lead to increased regulatory capacity, which will allow restriction of marijuana’s sale to minors; however, critics raise concerns that legalization will promote a more permissive attitude toward marijuana use among minors, possibly leading to increased rates of use. In the changing legal environment, pediatric physicians must review their approach to screening for marijuana use and discussing the associated health consequences. Physicians should consider screening all adolescents and young…