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The Many Forms of Marijuana weeks and months after use (Huestis, to an increased risk of a substance
Marijuana can be consumed in many Henningfield & Cone, 1992), making abuse disorder later in life (Casey,
Jones, & Hare, 2008). Additionally, it
it difficult to determine whether the
ways, the most popular of which is levels detected in a drug test are from is unknown whether drug abuse by
inhalation after combustion, and more recent or prior use. So, if someone is adolescents affects brain development
recently, via vaporization of the drug suspected of being under the influence processes (Spear, 2002). In short,
(NIH, 2017). Hash oil can be included in school, how can this be proven? drugs are bad for children, and the ex-
with the liquid used in vaporizers and Furthermore, if marijuana is legal for tent of their harmfulness is unknown.
the smell it produces is less odorous adults in NJ, could a teacher regularly
than when the drug is smoked, making smoke cannabis after dinner, just like Student Learning
it more appealing to individuals looking someone who has a glass of wine?
to be discreet, such as minors. Most The use of cannabis among young
concerning from an educator’s per- Lessons Learned from Other adults is associated with poor aca-
spective is the commercial availability States demic performance (Breacher, 1972),
of marijuana infused “edibles”, includ- higher school dropout rates (Bray et
ing candies and baked goods, as well The general concern for school offi- al., 2000), and both conduct and learn-
as drinks that contain cannabis (Tista cials is that marijuana’s legalization will ing disorders (Malhotra & Parthasara-
et al., 2015). Edibles are packaged to result in increased substance abuse thy, 2006). Although other states are
look like common candies and when by students. But, studies indicate not experiencing a significant upsurge
unwrapped are indistinguishable from that there is no significant correlation in the reported incidences of student
regular sweet treats. A student bring- between increased marijuana use by marijuana use after legalization, any
ing, and consuming, cannabis-laced young adults and cannabis’ recreational increase in student use will negatively
gummy bears or cookies in school legalization (Hill, 2015). States who influence the student’s ability to learn
would be hard to identify. have approved medical marijuana laws and ultimately graduate. Therefore, it
had higher incidences of cannabis use is critical that we take steps to con-
Cannabis’ Physical Effects prior to its legalization, with no signifi- tinue to educate our children about
The manner of cannabis consumption cant increase afterwards (Hasin et al., the negative effects of drug abuse
especially while navigating the conflict-
determines the speed and duration of 2015). One negative outcome of the ing message they receive regarding
the drug’s effects. When inhaled, the legalization of marijuana is enhanced marijuana’s medical benefits. Just like
high is immediate and lasts up to three social acceptance. As students hear other substances they are exposed to,
hours (NIH, 2017). When ingested, the of medicinal marijuana’s benefits, this there are benefits when used correctly,
digestion process delays the psycho- conflicts with messages about the but abuse of any drug is harmful —
active effects for up to four hours and drug’s harmfulness (Hopfer, 2015). particularly throughout physical/emo-
increases its length to more than eight A review of school policies and student tional development.
hours (Colorado Department of Public handbooks for states that currently
Health and Environment, 2014). This allow for the recreational use of can- Conclusion
discrepancy means that a student who nabis by adults shows that there are
smokes marijuana upon waking may few differences to their drug policies When considering how the legalization
not be under the influence when they compared to many districts in NJ. After of recreational marijuana in NJ may
get to school, while another student a positive chemical screen assess- impact our schools, there is more to
who ingests cannabis in the morning ment, discipline includes suspension, consider than increased drug abuse by
may feel its effects when engaged in a parent meeting, and sometimes students. The changes that legislation
the school day. counseling. Few schools address the of this type could bring to our state
It is hard to identify when someone issue of vaping in their policies. Since are unpredictable. Unfortunately, this
leaves educational professionals with
is under the influence of marijuana. vaporizers can be drug paraphernalia, more questions than answers regarding
Physiologically, there are changes to a and with its heightened popularity, this how to proactively prepare within our
user’s heart rate and blood pressure, is one area that NJ schools should ad- organizations. Our focus needs to be
as well as redness of the eyes, dry dress in their policies. on safety, educating our students and
mouth, and an increased appetite Student Substance Abuse staff, and also on ensuring that district
(Howlett et al., 1990). Mood changes policies evolve as laws change.
in the form of panic and paranoia are When it comes to young adults, the
also common. Most of these effects long-terms effects of marijuana use
are hard to detect through observation. are not fully known. Brain-imaging

Unlike with alcohol and a Breathalyzer technology evidences how the human
test, there is currently no way to test brain is still in a significant neurologi-
whether someone is under the influ- cal developmental stage in adolescent
ence of marijuana. The drug resides years (Giedd, 2004). This helps to ex-
in the body for a long period of time plain the neurobiology of addiction and
creating positive drug test results for why drug abuse at a young age leads

Educational Viewpoints -15- Spring 2018