Control Your Freedom
Focus on Your Future
Underage retail marijuana use comes with consequences that can negatively impact your goals and plans. Learn what these consequences are so you understand how using marijuana can affect your life now, and in the future.
01Legal Consequences
Medical Marijuana is for Medical Patients Only
In Colorado, medical marijuana can be recommended for patients with qualifying medical conditions. If the patient is under the age of 18, a medical card requires two physician recommendations and parent/guardian approval. It’s illegal to use someone else’s medical marijuana, even if they offer it to you.
You Must Be 21
You have to be 21 years or older to use, purchase or possess marijuana. You could get an MIP (Minor in Possession) even if a friend or relative over 21 years old buys marijuana legally and gives it to you. Plus, they could get in serious trouble for sharing it with you because it’s a felony. An MIP can also result in the loss of federal financial aid, which could impact any future college plans you might have.
What Happens if You Drive High?
Just like driving drunk, driving high is illegal and could land you a DUI or seriously hurt you and other people on the road. Marijuana affects your reaction time, judgment and perception of time and depth, which all make it more dangerous to get behind the wheel.
02Social, Education & Sports
Keep Your Job
Making extra money while you're young is amazing. However, if you break drug-free work policies, you can lose your job. You'll also lose out on a good reference from your boss for new jobs or college applications.
What Happens if You Break School Policy?
Breaking school drug policies can result in removal from sports team and extracurricular activities, school suspensions, expulsions and drug counseling. Those are frustrations and headaches you just don't need.
Build Trust for Your Future
Your family, teachers, coaches and friends are all part of your personal support system and they trust you to make the best decisions for your future. Using marijuana might cause you to lose their trust.
How Can You Tell if Something Has Marijuana Inside?
All Colorado marijuana products use this bright red symbol on packaging and on edible products (where possible). Anything with this symbol on it contains THC. Marijuana that is sold illegally may not include this symbol. If you are unsure if something contains THC, don't be afraid to turn it down.