Protect Our Future

The American Academy of Pediatrics Vermont Chapter and its pediatrician members from across the state strenuously oppose the legalization of recreational marijuana in Vermont.

As highly trained medical professionals who have dedicated their careers to helping the Vermont’s children and adolescents lead health, happy and productive lives, the Chapter opposes legalization because:

  • It will have a dangerous impact on the physical and mental health of Vermont’s children and adolescents;
  • It will likely increase the number of Vermont children and adolescents who use and abuse marijuana;
  • Proponents of legalization say that regulating it will help keep it out of hands of youth and adolescents, but regulation certainly hasn’t prevented underage drinking;
  • Decriminalization of marijuana has already accomplished the worthy goal of ending the social injustices that were often present with past marijuana law enforcement; 
  • It will put the safety of all Vermonters at risk;
  • It is too early to learn what the other states who have legalized marijuana got right and got wrong; 
  • With Vermont’s health care system already being overwhelmed by one rampant drug problem, it lacks the capacity to respond to a new one;
  • The states that have legalized marijuana have seen more problems and fewer benefits, such as tax revenue, than expected; and,
  • Marijuana is becoming more and more dangerous, and giving the state’s “approval” of its use won’t help.

Learn more about the dangers of marijuana use among children and adolescents, stay up-to-date with our activities, find out why some are asking “what's the big rush?” and join the effort to protect Vermont’s future. 

Protect Our Future