Pubdate: Fri, 02 Nov 2012 Source: Denver Post (CO) Copyright: 2012 The Denver Post Corp Contact: http://www.denverpost.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/122 Authors: Shannon Baumer, David MacLaurin AMENDMENT 64: LEGALIZING MARIJUANA IN COLORADO This Nov. 6, you have a responsibility to vote for the future of Colorado. Amendment 64 will legalize marijuana for the general public. As pediatricians, we are concerned that increased marijuana access will lead to increased use by children and teens. Medical marijuana from a dispensary in Colorado is pictured in this February 2012 file photo. Amendment 64 would legalize marijuana for the general public if passed. (AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post) Since medical marijuana was legalized in Colorado, we have seen growing numbers of children and teens gaining access to marijuana from medical marijuana users both in the emergency room and substance abuse centers. Marijuana is addicting. Early usage of marijuana prior to 18 years has been proven to increase the risk of other illicit drug usage later in life. In addition, research shows that marijuana usage before the age of 15 has deleterious effects on teens' ability to think, to reason, and to work. Don't forget to flip your ballot over and vote to keep Colorado kids healthy. Vote "no" to Amendment 64. Shannon Baumer, M.D., Denver David MacLaurin, M.D., Aurora - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom