Teachers and School Officials

Marijuana can cause damage and physical changes to a student’s brain since development continues until around the mid-20s, and this damage can be permanent. Studies revealed marijuana could lower students’ IQ, and students who use marijuana products regularly have trouble concentrating, solving problems, learning new information, retaining information and new memories, paying attention, and processing thoughts.

These negative effects on the brain can make school life difficult since students who use marijuana have lower academic success and graduation rates than students who do not.

Peer Pressure

Studies show the top reasons why students use marijuana are to know what it’s like, peer pressure, boredom, to feel better, and just to get high. Peer pressure is the second most common reason for youth’s marijuana use. The need to feel accepted and liked can cause youth to make poor decisions, including using marijuana and other substances that are illegal for those under 21.  One in 5 high school students are using marijuana products, and a student’s social identity and peer groups greatly influence this ratio.

• Perceived Risk
  Youth are less likely to use a substance if they believe it can be harmful (perceived risk). Youth perceived risk involving marijuana use is low. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) researched youth’s perception of great risk of harm from using marijuana and found that Nevada was one of the top 10 states that their perceived risk was extremely low. This information is important to consider when addressing prevention, because this study was done before the legalization of recreational marijuana in Nevada. Informing students of the health risk associated with using marijuana could help reduce marijuana use amongst school youth.
• Signs of Use
  Noticing behavior changes may prevent the negative impact marijuana can have on students’ lives. The following are changes that could indicate substance abuse or other problems that need addressing:
  • Lack of concern with hygiene and appearance
  • Unusual mood changes and disinterest in hobbies and extracurricular activities
  • Stressful or difficult peer relationships
  • Lowered academic success
  • Appear to be unusually happy and giggly
  • Uncoordinated movement
  • Bloodshot or red eyes
  • Forgetfulness
  • Regular use of eye drops, incense, perfume, or other order eliminating products
  • Strange smells on clothes and personal items
  • Possessing drug paraphernalia or items that support drug use
• Talking with Students:
  There have been many efforts over the years to prevent student drug use. The most direct approach for marijuana prevention is just talking. The tips below from the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids can help with getting the conversation started:
  • Put Yourself in Their Shoes
    If you keep in mind how you would prefer difficult subjects addressed and how having these conversations made you feel, you may appear more relatable and easier to talk to.
  • Clearly State Goal
    Take time to come up with the goals you want to reach through having the conversation.
  • Be Calm and Relaxed
    Creating an inviting atmosphere can help attain the goals you outlined for the conversation.
  • Be Positive
    A negative approach could be counter-productive, discouraging, and can decrease receptiveness.
  • Don’t Lecture
    Most students already know that marijuana use is prohibited or had some level of drug prevention education. Lecturing could decrease the conversation’s effectiveness.
  • Find a Comfortable Environment
    Students may be more receptive in an informal setting. Look for ways to set the tone for a more casual conversation.
  • Observe Body Language
    Body language can be a good indication of how the conversation is going. Conversely, it is important that your body language is also appropriate. Be seated with students when speaking, try a circular seating arrangement, and be mindful of hand and finger gestures.

SAMHSA: The CBHSQ Report Partnership for Drug-Free Kids Marijuana: Facts Parents Need to Know