Today's teen are faced with many choices some of them very simple, and some of them difficult; one of the most important decisions is the not to use drugs especially marijuana. Today's teens are using marijuana to bond with other teens, and be part of the group without understanding that they could be risking their future mental, physical, and economic health. There are many misconceptions that come with marijuana and it use that makes it appealing as a community drug that won't hurt you, therefore many teens choose to indulge; this is not the best choice for teens. I believe that most teens are not consumed with the drug scene, and I hope to prove that with this paper.   There are many risks associated with marijuana especially for the undeveloped mind of a teenager.   What concerns me the most is the conception that all teens are using this drug of choice so it's no big deal? I feel peer pressure plays a big part in the teens desire to smoke marijuana, but I don't believe that it is the only factor; either way I feel this is a risky practice for today's teenagers.  

            Marijuana is being taunted as a socially acceptable drug; it has been highly publicized, and advertised through movies and other outlets: therein lies the misconception that it is cool.  The most ironic thing is when you see the portrayal of marijuana it is history repeating itself. This has happened with cigarettes when smoking was the coolest thing. Every actor from Marilyn Monroe on had a nice sleek cigarette in their hand taking long slow draws, and then extending it with most unique smoothness.   We have also seen it with alcohol. How many beer commercials have we seen that have young adults drinking, and getting the women, or guy.   They all look so cool, and popular.   Now, I find the same irony in movies that show marijuana smoking. Movies such as Friday, Next Friday, Friday After Next, How High, Pineapple Express now most of these movies are rated R, but that does not stop a teenager from watching it. Most pre-teens are even indulging in these movies because they have older siblings. So if teens can identify with these characters then they will try to do the things that make these characters funny to them. I have never met a teenager that is comfortable be labeled a nerd, so in order to break away from that stereotype they are going to do what they deem as cool.   I hope teens can be educated on the potential negative impact of this drug before our hospitals, mental health, rehab facilities are filled with teenagers, and young adults due to our society promoting the coolness of marijuana.