Lydia A. Shrier: mobile technology—a way out for adolescent mental health problems and risk behaviors

Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (1). Marijuana use is widespread among adolescents and young adults, and potentially poses risks to escalating medical emergencies. Over the past decade, there has been a decline in teens’ perceptions of the risks of marijuana use, possibly due to increasing public debate about legalizing or loosening restrictions on its medicinal and recreational use. Worse still, social support that addresses the problematic marijuana use in young patients is limited.