Staff Reports
The debate over cannabis use, especially among America’s youth, has become a defining cultural and political issue of our time. While proponents of legalization tout its medicinal benefits and economic potential, a growing chorus of traditional voices warns of the dangers that come with normalizing marijuana. For conservatives, the heart of the matter is not just about policy, but about the long-term health and moral direction of the next generation.
Adolescent cannabis use is far from harmless. Teens who use marijuana are more likely to struggle with mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, compared to their peers who abstain. Even so-called “casual” use is linked to poor academic performance, truancy, and a greater risk of addiction later in life. The developing adolescent brain is particularly vulnerable, and early exposure to cannabis can impair memory, motivation, and decision-making—traits essential for success and responsible citizenship. These are not just abstract risks; they are real consequences that families and communities are already grappling with across the country.
Despite these dangers, the national trend is moving toward more permissive attitudes about marijuana, especially among young people. This shift is not simply the result of state-level legalization, but a broader cultural movement that downplays the risks and even glamorizes drug use. The media and some policymakers have contributed to this by focusing on the supposed benefits of cannabis while ignoring or minimizing the mounting evidence of harm. Conservatives see this as a dangerous abdication of responsibility, one that puts ideology and profit ahead of the well-being of our youth and the stability of our society.
The argument that cannabis is “natural” or “God-given” misses the point. Many things in nature can be misused to destructive ends. Just as we don’t encourage children to play with fire or wild animals, we shouldn’t be encouraging or excusing drug use among young people. The history of cannabis policy in America is complex, with roots in both legitimate public health concerns and regrettable episodes of racial and political manipulation. But acknowledging past mistakes does not justify swinging the pendulum so far that we ignore the very real risks that cannabis poses to today’s youth.
Ultimately, the conservative position is rooted in a desire to protect the next generation from avoidable harm. Instead of glorifying substances that cloud judgment and undermine achievement, we should be promoting values that foster mental clarity, strong families, and personal responsibility. The future of our nation depends on the choices we make today about what we normalize and what we reject. If we want to build a society that is healthy, productive, and free, we must have the courage to stand against the tide of permissiveness and advocate for policies and cultural norms that put the well-being of our children first.
