Date of Award

5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

School of Social Work

First Reader/Committee Chair

Li, Yawen

Abstract

This research investigates the impact of marijuana use on adolescent youth, focusing on its effects on school attendance, academic motivation, behavior, and conflicts with significant adults. As marijuana use becomes more prevalent among adolescents, understanding its broader consequences is critical for educators, parents, and policymakers. The purpose of this study was to explore how marijuana use correlates with academic performance, school behavior, and interactions with adults such as parents, caregivers, teachers, and law enforcement. A survey was administered to these adult figures in the adolescents' lives, gathering data on their perceptions of the youth’s marijuana use, school attendance, disciplinary issues, academic motivation, and any conflicts with authority figures. Data analysis revealed key findings: adolescents who used marijuana regularly had reduced school attendance, were more likely to experience disciplinary problems at school, showed decreased motivation toward academic tasks, and had increased conflicts with adults, including teachers, parents, and law enforcement. These results suggest that marijuana use among adolescents can negatively affect academic engagement, behavior, and relationships with authority figures. The study underscores the need for targeted prevention and intervention programs to address the potential long-term consequences of marijuana use on adolescent development and interactions with adults.

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