Marijuana, Memory, and Motivation

 For many teens, the start of a new school year brings excitement: new classes, new opportunities, and fresh goals. But for students who use marijuana, these opportunities can slip away before they even realize it.



Contrary to popular myths, marijuana is not harmless for young people. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA, 2024) notes that THC directly impacts brain areas tied to learning, memory, and attention. Since adolescent brains are still developing until about age 25, the consequences of marijuana use are particularly severe.

Research shows that teens who use marijuana regularly are more likely to have lower grades, reduced motivation, and difficulty with problem-solving (National Academies of Sciences, 2017). Over time, this can translate into missed academic opportunities, lower test scores, and even higher dropout rates. A 2022 CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that marijuana-using students were more likely to report poor grades and absenteeism compared to their peers.

The mental health connection is also critical. Marijuana use in teens has been linked to increased anxiety, depression, and even psychosis in vulnerable populations. One large study in JAMA Psychiatry (2019) found that adolescent marijuana use significantly increased the likelihood of suicidal ideation and attempts in young adulthood.

Locally, SSAPCO has seen an increasing culture that normalizes marijuana use. This makes prevention even more important. Parents can counteract this trend by having honest conversations about the real risks — not scare tactics, but facts that tie directly to what teens care about: grades, sports, college, and friendships.

Drug Free Youth (DFY) leaders are also stepping up to set the tone. By modeling drug-free living and leading alternative activities, they create peer pressure in the opposite direction — pressure to stay healthy, focused, and motivated.

As students return to school this August, we encourage families and community leaders to reinforce one clear message: marijuana undermines the very things teens are working hard to achieve. Prevention isn’t about saying no to fun — it’s about saying yes to opportunities that last a lifetime.

Sources:

  • NIDA. (2024). Marijuana and the Teen Brain.

  • National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2017). The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids.

  • JAMA Psychiatry. (2019). Association of Cannabis Use in Adolescence With Depression and Suicidal Behavior.

  • CDC. (2022). Youth Risk Behavior Survey.

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