IntroductionThe use of drugs and mind-altering substances has been a part of society for decades. The "high" that people get from using such substances is very attractive and exciting, yet the effects of this use are minimized. Especially for young people, a group of individuals who seek independence and experimentation, drug use represents the balance between taking risks and taking responsibility for one's actions. However, it is known that adolescents' developmental processes do not include the maturity needed to fully reflect on such decisions. Therefore, the use of a “smaller scale” drug like marijuana is even more minimized. The purpose of this article is to discuss what the risks of marijuana use are for young people, why they are the most affected, how this problem has progressed over the last three decades, and what preventative measures and treatment options are in place. We will also discuss what schools, parents and government bodies could do to help improve the problem and the impact this problem is having on society. Literature review The risks associated with the use of marijuana It is common opinion among today's youth that marijuana is a low-risk drug consumption and that its use is harmless to health (4). This widespread misconception is a major factor in why marijuana use is so routinely accepted by today's youth. The percentage of youth using marijuana in Canada is one of the highest in the world, with Ontario ranking among the leaders in that percentage (CAMH). According to a survey conducted by the Canadian Public Health Association, “marijuana use accounts for 90% of illegal drug use among students” (CPHA), 2012 CP). With so many young Canadians blindly abusing a substance with no real understanding… middle of the paper… they guarantee they are the best they can be academically. With all these pressures of adolescence on the rise, more and more teenagers are falling prey to the tempting “high” that allows a temporary break from their problems and stress. Because teenagers lack the maturity and knowledge to understand long-term consequences, they tend not to think about the downfalls they will face due to drug use. This is especially true when it comes to marijuana, as many view it as a harmless drug. With the increase in marijuana use among youth over the past three decades, it is imperative that better preventative measures and tougher penalties be put in place to educate and raise awareness about the risks and dangerous side effects that marijuana use can have. Only once society has implemented these preventative measures will actual change be seen.