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Exhibit aims to educate parents, teens of marijuana effects

HANOVER, Mass. — A new exhibit at the Hanover Mall is teaching parents about the effects of marijuana on the teenage brain.

The month-long exhibit, called Weeding Through the Myths, is getting teens and parents ready for the legalization of recreational marijuana in the Bay State.

It's the first exhibit of its kind and was developed in collaboration with the Plymouth and Norfolk County DA’s Offices.

"The biggest concern that we've seen in other states that have legalized marijuana is the increased risk of traffic fatalities due to impaired driving,” South Shore Hospital Dr. Jason Tracy said.

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The exhibit was put on by the Youth Health Connection, which is part of the South Shore Health System. It has a number of resources for parents to educate them on how marijuana affects the teenage brain and it’s set to be in Hanover through the end of the month.

"We're just trying to get the word out that it’s gonna affect kid’s brains, the development of their brains, it’s gonna knock down their IQ,” Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz said.

Parents say they're glad to see the exhibit in the mall.

"Young kids believe the legalization of marijuana is harmless. It is not harmless,” Cruz said.

The hope is that it'll help parents and teens make responsible decisions once marijuana is fully legal.

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