A 15-year-old, having difficulty coping with stress, is offered marijuana. Popular messages say it is perfectly acceptable and safe to use. He tries it. It temporarily relieves anxiety and depression; his use becomes regular. Marijuana interferes with his developing brain, reducing his own ability to feel pleasure. He tries other dangerous substances. We offer him services, hoping he does not become another statistic. Our opioid epidemic has taken enough young lives.

The scenario described is all too familiar to those who work with teens. There is an epidemic of drug addiction afflicting youth. No race, religion, or socioeconomic class is immune.

Our kids cannot hear that marijuana is safe. Advertisers will target our vulnerable youth. Look at the aggressive advertising of edible products that resemble popular treats in Colorado. In that state, there has been an increase in emergency department visits for accidental marijuana ingestions by children. Meanwhile, motor vehicle accident fatalities attributed to THC have dramatically increased in Washington state.

We will continue to educate on the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. We will strive to increase mental health and addiction treatment and decrease the availability of prescription drugs. The last thing we need is legalization of a gateway drug with a high risk of addiction potential that has detrimental long-term effects.

Dr. Safdar Medina

Southborough

The writer is a primary care physician.