Adolescence is an absolutely unique moment in human development. The onset of puberty through the mid-20s is a critical period during which key areas of the brain expand and mature. These changes in brain structure, function, and connectivity mark adolescence as a brief and matchless period -- to discover new ideas, to form relationships with peers and adults, and to explore a developing identity. It can set one's life trajectory. Today's marijuana can severely disrupt brain development, and as a community, we should be sure we are doing everything to discourage its use. Normalizing marijuana, marketing it as medicine, and glamorizing it sends a confusing message to young people that can be extremely difficult (if not impossible) to overcome. When adolescent brain development is disrupted, a young person's life can be devastated, sometimes for a lifetime. High THC marijuana is harming Boulder youth. They deserve better. Our community must strike a balance between legal marijuana and protections for young people. We should not expand.   

 

Boulder's young people should not be saddled with

the fallout of marijuana expansion.