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The relationship between marijuana initiation and dropping out of high school
J W Bray1, G A Zarkin, C Ringwalt
1Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA. bray@rti.org
Health Economics
|March 1, 2000
Summary
Marijuana initiation is linked to higher high school dropout rates. This study found marijuana users are 2.3 times more likely to drop out, regardless of age or other substance use.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Education
Background:
- Rising marijuana use among adolescents raises concerns about academic performance.
- Previous research focused on alcohol, neglecting marijuana's educational impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between marijuana initiation and high school dropout.
- To examine how age of initiation and polysubstance use affect this relationship.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal survey of 1392 adolescents aged 16-18.
- Statistical analysis of marijuana initiation, dropout age, and polysubstance use.
Main Results:
- Marijuana initiation shows a positive association with high school dropout.
- The relationship's strength varies with dropout age and other substance use.
- Marijuana users have approximately 2.3 times the odds of dropping out compared to non-users.
Conclusions:
- Marijuana initiation is a significant predictor of high school dropout.
- Findings have implications for policymakers and researchers addressing adolescent substance use and education.
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