Parents OK with medical pot, but not so sure with kids

• Nearly 2 in 3 parents are OK with medical marijuana.
• Just 1 in 3 say they approve of its use for children.

Most adults agree with legalizing medicinal marijuana, but they're a lot more uneasy when it comes to its use for sick kids.

And most by far — 4 in 5 adults — say kids shouldn't see adults using it.

That's according to the latest University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health, which routinely asks what's on the minds of the nation's moms and dads — from how they're using social media to what they think of new laws and policies.

It's not surprising that adults are hesitant when it comes to medical therapies that many believe are still unproven, said Dr. Matt Davis, director of the National Poll and professor of pediatrics and internal medicine at U-M Medical School.

"From my experience as a physician, they commonly mention the lack of testing for testing as a reason for their concern," said Davis, who as a pediatrician at U-M is not allowed to prescribe marijuana for children.

Michigan is one of nearly two dozen states that permit medical marijuana, but it also has stricter rules when it comes to children using medical marijuana.

The Mott poll is the first to examine parents' views about medical pot for adults compared to their view about its use for children. It drew from responses in November and December of 2,176 adults — both parents and non-parents.

Davis said responses about adult use of medical marijuana were similar to polls elsewhere, offering "reassurance" that it accurately reflects adults' views about marijuana's use for children too.

More specifically, the poll found:

■Nearly 2 in 3 parents say their state should allow medical marijuana for adults.

■Just more than 1 in 3 say it should be allowed for children.

■Four in 5 people say adults shouldn't be allowed to use medical marijuana in front of children

■1 in 10 said they either have a medical marijuana card or know someone who does.

Contact Robin Erb : rerb@freepress.com or 313-222-2708. Follow her on Twitter @Freephealth.