Decriminalizing marijuana does not mean condoning its use by children. Our current system of marijuana policy is clearly not working to reduce marijuana use among kids. It is possible that our current system even encourages teens to try marijuana by virtue of the fact that it is prohibited.

There are many potentially dangerous activities in our society that we do not allow children to do, for instance: drinking alcohol, driving cars, and gambling. However, we do not prohibit responsible adults from engaging in these activities. No matter how public policy deals with the use of marijuana, it is most effective in preventing teen marijuana use for parents and other adults to talk openly with children about the dangers of using drugs or engaging in other risky behaviors.

And besides, what message does it send to children when adults refuse to reconsider an apparently bad decision by government to prohibit marijuana? We believe adults should be willing to admit when they make a mistake, and correct it.