A comprehensive study involving data from 63 studies and nearly 440,000 youths has indicated a significant association between marijuana use and poor academic outcomes among teenagers. According to the research, teens who use cannabis are more likely to experience lower school grades, a reduced likelihood of completing high school, and decreased chances of enrolling in or graduating from university. The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, also notes that chronic marijuana use during adolescence can lead to long-term changes in brain architecture, impairing cognitive and memory functions. This analysis provides “moderate-certainty” evidence linking adolescent cannabis use to a 39% higher probability of lower grades and more than double the odds of school dropout and absenteeism.
The findings underscore the urgent need for effective interventions to prevent early cannabis exposure, as public acceptance of marijuana grows alongside its legalisation. The study further highlights that more than 3 million U.S. youths aged 12 to 17 have used cannabis in the past year, a figure that surpasses the usage rates of other illicit drugs. Despite the compelling data, researchers note that the study does not definitively prove causation, as factors like mental health issues may predispose some teens to both cannabis use and academic struggles. However, the results emphasise the critical nature of addressing marijuana use during adolescence to mitigate its potential impact on educational attainment.