Alot of kids and young adults abuse or make marijuana look bad (Potheads). A lot of kids start for many reasons, either curiosity, to fit in or think its cool. The kids and young adults, even adults that make marijauna look bad, are the ones that are not mature enough or dont have an understanding which I've provided. The government still has marijauna illegal because a lot of kids use marijauna in the wrong way, such as to "get messed up", and do dumb things with it, which looks really bad on marijuana. But most of the kids and young adults understand this. A lot of parents that find out that there child is using marijuana, most of them don't understand the truth which I've provided. The parents that know the truth have a better time talking to there kids, and have a complete understanding. The better understanding, the better the relationship with your kids. I'd rather know that my son or daughter was smoking pot, instead of them sneaking around, getting in trouble. Again I say, moderation, maturity, and responsibilities come first before recreational enjoyment. I've heard of parents that make sure their kids get good grades, make sure they take care of responsibilities, and then lets their kids use it. I guess its a motivation key. Kids, I shouldn't say kids, young adults, teens, like to go out, have fun, associate with friends, and a lot of friends (not all) are going to have marijuana, and teens who have a better understanding, which is the purpose of this website, will just understand a lot better, and become smarter than those who don't understand.

Anyway, the one age (18) would be when you are considered an adult...can do everything...and be held responsible for everything.

Why restrict weed in the way you do alcohol and tobacco? Probably for liability reasons. Minors in general are not liable for jack. Due to the ways the laws work, a minor can evade trouble or financial responsibility much easier than an 18+ person can. Your parents bear the burden of liability for much of your actions.

Is it fair to young responsible citizens? Nope. You may very well be one of the young people out there who would be able to handle beer, cigarettes and weed in a responsible manner. Are there 40 year olds who handle these things worse than you? Absolutely. Unfortunately, society needs a quick and easy way to determine maturity, and age is the best solution they have right now. It's far from perfect.

Consider this time period your rookie initiation if you have to. If you're familiar with military schools, think of it as your plebe year. If you know anything about fraternities, consider it your pledge year.

Right now, I wouldn't look for a whole lot of support from older folks on making it legal for juveniles. We are trying to get it legalized in some fashion AT ALL, and including minors would severely hinder the movement.

Consider yourself fortunate in this aspect. As a 17 year old, it's probably easier for you to get MJ than someone over 30. By the time you turn 21, perhaps everything will finally be legalized... and then you'll have made it just in time, and will benefit from the best of both worlds. The thing to remember is it is ok to not like what he/she is doing. It is quite another to say he cannot smoke at all. If a parent starts to do that, I have seen it happen a lot, they might want to do other drugs. It is best if they just do Mj the rest of his life.

Quite a large percentage of teens smoke pot, very large in fact, and never go on to harder things(except perhaps college).
The biggest danger of smoking pot is getting busted by the cops for doing it or having it at school. Minors can get in the same trouble for having alcohol. You should express your concerns to your son/daughter (Parents), but you should do some research before confronting them with the standard DARE/PDFA/Nancy Reagan "Just Say No" line of arguments. Arguments like the "gateway drug" effect or the "amotivational syndrome" are simply not borne out by the research, but these scare stories persist because of political pressure. Would you rather your child be smoking something that's safe and unharmful, or smoking tobbacco or drinking alchohol. Marijuana does not harm or kill you, or affect you harmfully in any way, remember that. A lot of parents without understanding, get upset, mad, and it ruins a relationship. Sit down, with your child and have an open, un argumentive discussion. Just because it is illegal, doesn't mean it is wrong.