According to the Orange County Register, some California residents are pushing for the Adult Use of Marijuana Act that would allow adults ages 21 and older to own up to an ounce of marijuana for recreational use. This act is set to appear on the upcoming California ballot on Nov. 8 when California residents will be able to weigh in on whether the Adult Use of Marijuana Act should be passed or not.

According to the Teens Drug Abuse, when a teenager grows older, they are more susceptible to using marijuana. About 16 percent of 8th graders, 31 percent of 10th graders, and 45 percent of 12th graders have used marijuana in 2015. When teenagers smoke marijuana, they will experience side effects such as anxiety, sleeplessness, drug cravings and weight loss, according to the Teens Drug Abuse. This is a serious concern for parents and other California residents who are supporting the Adult Use of Marijuana Act. Voting against the upcoming act for Adult Use of Marijuana is a brilliant idea to stop the misuse of marijuana occurring in minors. According to the Los Angeles Times, since Colorado legalized marijuana in 2012 the number of Coloradans using marijuana has increased from 10.5 percent to 15 percent in 2013. If the Adult Use of Marijuana Act is passed, then it is easier for a minor to gain access to marijuana, thus increasing the percent of marijuana use among minors.

Some California residents might say that legalizing marijuana will increase the revenue in the state and provide wider access for medical use. However, marijuana has many negative effects that greatly outweigh the positive effect. According to the Foundation For a Drug-Free World, marijuana impacts a person’s memory negatively. Students who use marijuana are not able to remember and organize information learned in school as compared to students who do not use marijuana. Legalizing marijuana will not only affect adults, but it will also affect minors.