The Grass Is Definitely Not Greener: Academic Performance Deeply Affected by Marijuana Use

• In Event: Health and Well-Being in Adolescence

Abstract

Recent research on the use of medical marijuana highlight positive outcomes, including increased cognitive abilities and task performance. However, there is research evidence showing the detrimental effects of marijuana use on cognitive abilities. This study examined the relationship between marijuana use and academic performance in a large sample (N = 108,765) of adolescent students. The analysis uses propensity score matching to provide a comparison group controlling for demographic differences including race/ethnicity, grade, age, and free or reduced-price lunch status (as a socioeconomic status proxy). Multiple regression results from students in grades 8, 9, and 11 from 2016 show that marijuana use is negatively associated with academic performance, accounting for half of a GPA point difference, controlling for background variables.

Authors

• Julio Caesar, Bloomington Public Schools

• Stacy R. Karl, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

• Michael C. Rodriguez, University of Minnesota