National PTA is committed to making every possible effort to cooperate in the education of children youth, parents, and families regarding the physical and mental health hazards of marijuana.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 10 marijuana users will become lifelong users of marijuana. For people who begin using marijuana younger than 18, that number rises to 1 in 6.

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 studies in the medical journal, JAMA Psychiatry including more than 23,000 individuals, suggested that adolescent cannabis consumption may be one factor contributing to depression and suicidal behavior later in life.

The Children's Hospital of Colorado outlines the dangers of "Acute Marijuana Intoxication" and discusses the harm of child overdoses, usually due to ingestion of edible forms of marijuana for example, gummies, baked good and other confections.

Some research has suggested that recent legislation may present increased opportunities for adolescents to obtain marijuana including the increased availability of non-smoking marijuana products such as edibles.

PTA objects to advertising and promotion that encourages children and youth to use marijuana in any form, including smoking, edibles, liquids, and vaping/electronic delivery systems. PTA opposes the placement of marijuana retail establishments and dispensaries that are less than 1,000 feet from the premises of schools in accordance with drug-free school zones.

PTA seeks regulation and uniformity of THC in products and supports legislation that would require full disclosure, in clear language, of all ingredients and additives (including chemical additives) on edibles, liquids, and combustible labels.

PTA recognizes parents’ and legal guardian's right to access marijuana for medicinal use when medically prescribed for their child. We encourage our PTA leaders to offer programs to educate parents and families regarding their responsibility to store marijuana, in all its forms, safely.

All PTAs are encouraged to cooperate in educational and promotional activities designed to discourage the underage use of marijuana in any form.