A woman in Minnesota has been charged with Child Abuse for giving her 15-year-old son marijuana. Most people would turn their noses up at this – but wait until you read all the facts before you pass judgment. The young man was suffering from a traumatic brain injury, and taking marijuana oil was his only relief. Could helping your child end in charges for marijuana and Child Abuse in Colorado, even when the drug is legal? Let’s take a closer look in order to understand the law in Larimer, Grand, and Boulder County.
Is it Legal to Give Marijuana to Minors?
Despite the fact that marijuana is now legal in the state of Colorado, it is still illegal to give recreational marijuana to minors. Note that we said recreational marijuana. In Colorado, a child may be allowed to use medical marijuana if the parents give consent.
Recreational Marijuana is Illegal for Minors
In Colorado, it is illegal for minors to use recreational marijuana. This is unlike the laws related to giving alcohol to minors. If a guardian gives permission for their own child to drink under their supervision, with the permission of the property owner (who is also present), a person under the age of 21 can drink alcohol without being charged with Minor in Possession of Alcohol. Marijuana laws do not work like this. It is illegal in Fort Collins, Loveland, Estes Park, and across Colorado to provide recreational marijuana to minors.
[pullquote align=”center” textalign=”center” width=”100%”] It is illegal to provide recreational marijuana to minors.[/pullquote]Medical Marijuana is Legal in Some Circumstances
In Colorado, children are allowed to use medical marijuana, if their parents consent. In order to begin using medical marijuana (whether you are an adult or a child), you must submit an application to the Colorado Department of Public Health.
Marijuana and Child Abuse: Contact a Lawyer
There are many regulations related to the use of medical marijuana by minors. Don’t simply start giving your child marijuana – you could be charged with Child Abuse. Be sure to go through the legal process to obtain medical marijuana. If you have been charged for giving marijuana to your child, contact an aggressive criminal defense lawyer who can fight for you and your child’s future.