Looking for an effective way to address marijuana prevention in your school?
Cannabis Wise and THC 101 are evidence-based prevention programs that help students understand the effects of THC, recognize misleading cannabis marketing, and make informed decisions. These engaging, research-backed courses equip schools with the tools needed to address today’s cannabis challenges before they become problems.
Although recent national surveys show that teen marijuana use has declined in recent years, marijuana remains one of the most commonly used substances among adolescents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 31% of 12th-grade students reported using marijuana in the past year, and more than 6% reported daily use. While these numbers are lower than in previous decades, millions of teens continue to be exposed to marijuana and its associated risks.
As marijuana becomes more widely accepted and legalized across the United States, young people are increasingly exposed to messages that minimize its potential harms. Pro-marijuana advocacy groups and cannabis-related businesses have spent significant resources promoting marijuana as a safer alternative to alcohol and tobacco. This messaging can shape adolescent perceptions and contribute to experimentation among youth.
Research has shown that increased exposure to marijuana advertising can influence teen behavior. As marijuana products become more visible through advertising, retail stores, and social media, many adolescents perceive marijuana as less risky than previous generations did. The result is a growing normalization of marijuana use among young people.
The commercialization of marijuana has also changed how it is marketed and consumed. Many dispensaries sell products that resemble familiar snacks and candies, including gummies, chocolates, cookies, brownies, and beverages infused with THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana. These products can be especially appealing to youth and may create the false impression that marijuana is harmless.
Today’s teens do not need to smoke a joint to get high. Marijuana is available in a wide range of forms, including edibles, vapes, concentrates, and beverages. Some of these products contain significantly higher levels of THC than traditional marijuana, increasing the risk of impairment and adverse effects.
This is particularly concerning because the adolescent brain is still developing. According to the CDC, marijuana use can affect areas of the brain responsible for memory, learning, attention, decision-making, and emotional regulation. Research has also found that even occasional marijuana use among teens is associated with lower academic performance and increased emotional and behavioral challenges.
Schools are uniquely positioned to address these risks before substance use becomes a problem. Effective prevention programs help students understand the facts about marijuana, develop refusal skills, and build resilience against peer pressure and misleading marketing messages. Early education can correct misconceptions, promote healthy decision-making, and reduce the likelihood of future substance use.
As marijuana products become more accessible and socially accepted, schools must remain proactive. Prevention efforts that begin early can help students make informed choices and protect their health, academic success, and future opportunities.
As marijuana products become more accessible and socially accepted, early education has never been more important. Cannabis Wise and THC 101 provide schools with age-appropriate, science-based cannabis prevention education that promotes critical thinking, healthy decision-making, and long-term student success.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Cannabis and Teens. https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/health-effects/cannabis-and-teens.html
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Monitoring the Future Survey Results. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trends-statistics/monitoring-future
- Monitoring the Future Study, University of Michigan. National Survey Results on Adolescent Drug Use. https://monitoringthefuture.org
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Cannabis Use Among U.S. Adolescents (2025).
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Cannabis Facts and Statistics. https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/data-research/facts-stats/
