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Marijuana Use in Minors Can Affect Brain Development

It seems as though marijuana use and its legalization is on the horizon for many more states across the country. While Colorado and Washington have already legalized marijuana for recreational use, states such as California and Massachusetts allow consumption with a recognized medical need. Marijuana legalization has been on the ballot in other areas as well. As more research is released from states that allow the use of these drugs, we may see increase changes in surrounding states. While no parent wants to think about their child using an illegal substance, marijuana legalization is a long way off and will most likely remain illegal minors.

Many people do not realize that states that do allow marijuana usage regulate it just as they would other substances. In Colorado, users must be over the age of 21, and California does not allow patients under 18 to obtain a medical marijuana card without their parent’s permission. The legality for minors is restricted due to the implications marijuana usage has on brain development.

How are minors affected by marijuana use?

For adult users that consume a moderate amount of marijuana, there does not seem to be any significant risk to the brain. With development occurring into the mid-20s, young adults and minors that use marijuana may find themselves more susceptible to learning and health problems.

Research has identified two significant problems areas associated with marijuana use:

  1. Abnormalities in the shape, density and volume of the nucleus accumbens, which controls motivation, pleasure and pain, and decision-making; and
  2. Overall changes to the amygdala, the brain center in charge of processing emotions, retaining memories, and natural responses to fear.

This means that the believed short-term effects associated with marijuana usage, such as disrupted focus, memory issues, motivation and decision making, may actually be significantly longer-lasting than previously thought. Research continues to shine light on this substance’s effects.

Let Us Help You Protect Your Minor’s Record

As legalization continues to stay on the table, many of the attitudes and beliefs surrounding marijuana are starting to fade. No longer should marijuana usage be connected with serious drug crime charges. Unfortunately, many states still enforce unfair or unreasonable harsh laws. Using marijuana does not make anyone a bad person, and especially not a child. Attorney Shaeffer has handled hundreds of cases concerning adults and children that have been found using marijuana. Knowing how to approach the issues without being too judgmental or overly lax is the best way to get someone out of trouble and prevent them from having a criminal record for the rest of their life. For children, this usually involves encouraging them to take responsibility for their actions and understanding how they can respond to legal matters in an effective manner.

With over 20 years of experience, let Attorney Shaeffer handle juvenile marijuana charges. Call today to get started!

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  • "Mr Shaeffer was up front from the beginning, and I respected that. He told me they have a solid case against me. He is a very out of the box thinker, and very organized. He told me the sad reality of what could potentially be the outcome of my case, and it was dim. However he asked me what i wanted and was creative enough to deliver at an extremely affordable price. He has the knowledge to defend you, and the experience to win. I’m very happy with how he handled my case. His office is also only blocks away from the court house and he is always prompt. I don’t usually write reviews, but Mr. Tylden Shaeffer deserves to be recognized." - Nicoli

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  • "Mr. Shaeffer is a great attorney , very professional, very nice and is willing to work with you and help u threw any situation u may have or need help with . I recommend Mr. Shaeffer to anyone who needs help with any kind of legal issues or problems. Anyone who has asked me about an attorney i most definitely tell them Mr. Shaeffer and give them his info. Thank you for all your help and everything u have done for me and my family. You are a awesome attorney! Highly Recommend" - Anonymous

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  • "Tylden got my felony reduced to a misdemeanor. He saved my life. I didn’t have to pester him for information and updates about my case and his staff is well informed and helpful. He personally attended each and every one of my hearings and was just as concerned about restoring my reputation as I was. He recently got a motion for non-disclosure filed and approved by the judge so I will never have to admit this mistake ever happened. I would recommend Tylden to anyone! He is a highly intelligent and competent attorney. The Best!" - Anonymous

  • "I was represented by Mr. Shaeffer years ago (2004). He would travel from San Antonio all the way to Del Rio to represent me. My father and I were accused of wrong doing by federal agents and we had done nothing. We, my father and I were on trial simultaneously. We had hired an attorney and found out later he was friends with the prosecutor and wanted us to accept a plea bargain. “We did nothing wrong”, I cried to him. He insisted that we accept due to it being impossible to beat the Government. My father and I were close to giving up when we met Mr. Shaeffer. Mr. Shaeffer believed in us and fought for us. Because of him, I never saw prison walls nor was I ever away from my family. It was one of the most difficult times in my life, but thankfully we met a Godsend attorney and justice prevailed." - Anonymous

Case Results
Intoxication Manslaughter – Reduced Sentence

While client was already on probation for DWI when arrested for Intoxication Manslaughter. Client pleaded guilty to the jury and jury awarded probation where State sought prison term from the jury.

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