Currently, about half of states and the District of Columbia permit the use of marijuana for medical purposes. Advocates for medical marijuana argue that it can be safe and effective for treating symptoms related to diseases such as cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, and epilepsy for adults and children.

Those opposed to medical marijuana are concerned about inadequate scientific testing of medical marijuana as a treatment, negative side effects of marijuana on the brain and other organs, and evidence that drug use early in life is more likely to lead to drug addiction in adulthood.

Previous reports about public views on medical marijuana have not focused on perceptions of medical marijuana for children. In November/December 2014, the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health asked a national sample of adults about their opinions regarding medical marijuana use for adults and children.

Use and Support of Medical Marijuana

One in ten respondents know someone who has a medical marijuana card or have one themselves. Slightly fewer (7%) know someone who uses medical marijuana when children are present or do so themselves.

Nearly two-thirds (63%) of respondents agree (strongly agree/somewhat agree) their state should allow medical marijuana for adults. In contrast, about one-third (36%) agree medical marijuana should be allowed for children.

Four out of five respondents agree that adults should not be able to use medical marijuana in the presence of children (Figure 1).