Why THC and School Don’t Mix

Academic achievement is one of the strongest predictors of long-term success. Yet research shows a clear link between adolescent marijuana use and lower school performance. In Lemhi County, where opportunities for higher education and career training are precious, every lost grade or missed class matters.



How Marijuana Affects Learning

THC impacts the hippocampus, the brain’s memory center. This makes it harder to retain new information, focus during lectures, and complete complex assignments. For students, that translates into:

  • Lower test scores

  • Trouble staying motivated

  • Increased likelihood of skipping classes

The Data

  • A CDC (2022) analysis found that high school students who used marijuana were more likely to report lower grades than their non-using peers.

  • Longitudinal studies show that regular marijuana use during adolescence is linked with decreased likelihood of graduating high school and enrolling in college.

Why Parents Should Act

Many parents assume that occasional use won’t affect schoolwork. But even weekend use can disrupt concentration and lead to lingering effects during the week. This isn’t just about academic pride — it’s about setting teens up for stable, healthy futures.

Local Action

SSAPCO partners with schools to provide prevention messaging and support. Parents can reinforce this by monitoring academic performance and discussing how substance use directly undermines success.

Sources

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Youth Risk Behavior Data.

  • National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). (2020). The Impact of Marijuana on the Developing Brain.

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

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