Marijuana Use: Detrimental to Youth

Dr. Robert Hoffman is the Professor of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Nationwide Children's Hospital. He earned his M.D. from The Ohio State University, completed his pediatric residency at Akron Children's Hospital, and completed his fellowship at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. Dr. Hoffman is also a member of the Scientific Policy Committee of the American College of Pediatricians. He has recently revised an important report titled Marijuana Use: Detrimental to Youth. A recent press release spoke of an "American College of Surgeons report revealing that over 40% of deceased drivers in motor vehicle crashes over the past six years tested positive for THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana." This alarming statistic underscores a persistent and growing public health crisis. While this study does not specifically indicate the ages of the drivers, previous evidence shows that young adults are disproportionately prone to risky or impaired driving behaviors, particularly when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. While there are claims that marijuana is harmless, there are also many adverse effects that not only impact the user, but also children are being impacted as well.