The Marijuana Policy Project, a national organization supporting the legalization of cannabis, believes that for many, marijuana can be a safer alternative to opioids and other stronger pain and sleep drugs. “Marijuana is not harmless, but there are no fatal overdoses with it,” said Director of State Policies Karen O’Keefe. “And marijuana is safer than alcohol, which is legal.” O’Keefe said study after study has concluded that marijuana policy reform is not linked to increased rates of marijuana use among teens, a concern she hears often.