This post is presented by our media partner Cannabis News Wire
View the original article here.
According to a recent examination of the existing data, teenagers who use marijuana typically do poorly academically. The JAMA Pediatrics study analyzed information from 63 different studies involving nearly 440,000 adolescents.
The findings revealed that marijuana use during teenage years is likely associated with lower academic performance, decreased chances of finishing high school, less likelihood of enrolling in college or university, and a higher likelihood of dropping out of school and being frequently absent.
One significant point the researchers noted was that marijuana use among teens is widespread, with about 22% of high school students in the United States using cannabis at least once in the previous month. Another concern is that today’s marijuana is much stronger than it used to be, with THC levels increasing from 4% in 1995 to 14% in 2019.
The study also highlighted long-term effects, stating that heavy marijuana use during adolescence could lead to lasting changes in the brain’s structure. These changes might interfere with memory, cognitive function and attention span, all of which are critical to academic success.
To investigate the potential academic consequences, the team analyzed data from numerous studies that looked at cannabis use, school performance and even employment among young people. While not all the data was equally reliable, the researchers identified evidence — classified as “moderate certainty” — linking marijuana use with several negative outcomes. Specifically, they found that teens who used marijuana had:
- 39% higher chances of earning lower grades
- 50% lower odds of obtaining a high school certificate
- 28% less likelihood of attending university
- 31% decreased chance of earning a post-secondary degree
- more than twice as likely to drop out of high school
- more than twice as likely to miss school often
While the research team also found some evidence, though weaker, suggesting marijuana use could be tied to unemployment, the risks generally increased the more frequently a teen used the drug. Starting at an early age (before or around 16) also seemed to worsen the academic impact.
Although the findings suggest a strong link between marijuana use and poor school outcomes, the researchers acknowledged that they couldn’t definitively prove marijuana is the direct cause. For instance, teens struggling with other substance-use problems or mental-health concerns might be more likely to use marijuana and face challenges in school. However, the researchers adjusted their results to account for such factors.
One thing is clear: As marijuana becomes more accepted and decriminalized in various parts of the world, its use among teenagers is on the rise. U.S. national data suggests that more than three million teens aged between 12 and 17 years of age had used marijuana in the past year — more than any other illegal drug.
Given these trends, the researchers emphasized the urgent need for effective programs to prevent early marijuana use and protect youth from the potential negative consequences.
The age-verification activities that licensed companies such as Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) implement contribute to restricting access to marijuana by minors, but much more needs to be done by all stakeholders to keep marijuana away from teens.
About CNW420
CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.
To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer
CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com
CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN
This post was originally published by our media partner here.
