Teen Alcohol and Marijuana Use Affects School Performance and Mental Health

According to a recent study, students who smoke marijuana and drink alcohol tend to get lower grades and have poorer mental health. Marijuana users were also more likely to engage in delinquent behaviour and were less prepared for school. A group of researchers surveyed more than 6,000 Californian students from 16 different schools over a period of seven years. They also found differences in outcomes across ethnicities. Asian, African-American and Hispanic youth reported worse academic performance and health than their white peers.   

“Disparities are occurring as early as high school and therefore it is crucial to address alcohol and marijuana use early on, especially for nonwhite youth,” stated lead researcher Elizabeth D'Amico. “One approach may be to increase protective factors such as parental support or the adolescent's ability to resist temptations to use these substances.”