Perhaps the greatest concern associated with the increase in marijuana use is not only the impact on individuals but the adverse effects on families and communities. The following are just some examples of the destructive impact of marijuana use. Marijuana and other drug use contributes to many problems in society. Between 1990 and 1996, marijuana-related emergency room episodes increased from 15,700 to 50,000, representing an increase of 219 percent. These increases were seen among both sexes, all age groups, and among blacks and whites.
Adolescence is a time when young people learn the value of being a responsible citizen.
They are separating from their childhood place in the family and taking on more independence which allows them to give back to the family and community in new ways. Marijuana impairs development of healthy social relationships, possibly alienating and isolating youth from bonding with mentors and positive role models and peers. Marijuana impairs psychomotor skills and may contribute to such potentially fatal events as automobile crashes.