Educators and School Officials

Cannabis can cause damage and physical changes to a student’s brain, which continues developing until around the mid-20s. This damage can be permanent. Continuous cannabis use has been linked to lower grades, increased dropout rates, and decreased IQ scores. These negative effects on the brain can make school life difficult. Using cannabis can impact a student’s:

• Concentration: Making it hard to focus and study without distractions
• Attention: Following along in class discussions
• Problem-solving: Figuring out complex tasks, such as math problems
• Learning: Picking up new skills or sports
• Memory retention: Remembering recent information or instructions
• Motor coordination: Performing tasks like writing neatly, playing instruments, or participating in PE classes

Identifying students who use cannabis or may be experiencing cannabis-related issues is crucial, as schools and educators play a vital role in preventing youth cannabis use. Common signs to watch for include:

• Mood Changes: Irritability, paranoia, or indifference
• Physical Symptoms: Bloodshot eyes, lack of coordination, slow movements
• Disinterest: Loss of interest in academics, extracurricular activities, hobbies, or sports
• Academic Issues: Lack of focus, poor class attendance, low grades, and conduct problems
• Rule-Breaking: Disregard for school rules
• Neglected Responsibilities: Failure to fulfill responsibilities at school

Over the years, there have been many efforts to prevent student drug use, with one of the most effective methods being simply talking. Here are some tips from the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids to help get the conversation started:

• Put Yourself in Their Shoes: Consider how you would want difficult topics to be approached and how that might make you feel.
• Clearly State Your Goals: Define what you hope to achieve from the conversation.
• Be Calm and Relaxed: An inviting atmosphere can help achieve your goals.
• Be Positive: A positive approach is more effective than a negative one.
• Don’t Lecture: Avoid lecturing, as students are often already aware of the risks.
• Find a Comfortable Environment: Choose a casual setting to make the conversation more comfortable.
• Observe Body Language: Pay attention to both your own and the student’s body language to gauge the conversation’s effectiveness.

Educators play a crucial role in protecting teens from substance use and addiction. Implementing comprehensive, age-appropriate, research-based prevention programs in schools can significantly reduce youth cannabis use and its negative effects. These programs are most effective when started early, continued throughout education, and involve families and caregivers.

Schools should clearly communicate drug policies and consequences, emphasizing that cannabis use is illegal for all youth. Understanding students’ motivations for using cannabis and adopting a health-driven approach, rather than punitive measures, can help eliminate risky behaviors and promote healthy alternatives.

CDC: Cannabis and Teens Marijuana: What School Professionals Should Know and Do Marijuana: Facts Parents Need to Know Marijuana: The Risks Are Real