MARIJUANA is the most commonly used illicit drug in the U.S. and in Washington state, by both adults and adolescents. With the passage of Initiative 502 in Novermber 2012, Washington become one of two states (along with Colorado) to legalize recreational marijuana for adults over age 21. While marijuana has long been a topic of research and public interest, with the new law many people have questions about marijuana in general, and especially about its potential impact on the health and safety of our youth.

The goal of this website is to provide current and science-based information about marijuana for the general public, with special sections for parents and teens.

We plan to expand the site with a special emphasis on knowledge focusing on the state of Washington.


The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute is a multidisciplinary research center at the University of Washington. Our mission is to support and facilitate research and research dissemination in the field of alcohol and drug abuse.