Local use among youth
Local use among youth3% percent of 8th graders, 5% of 9th graders, and 16% of 11th graders used marijuana (non-medical) in the past month (Winona County – 2022 Minnesota Student Survey). Although many students choose not to use marijuana, one of our concerns is the belief that most students use. We are hopeful though that students will share many of their good reasons not to use and change the belief.
As of August 2023, legalization technicalities have gotten just that much more difficult to navigate for the public.
Why youth marijuana use is harmful
Marijuana (non-medical) is harmful to teen brains that continue to develop until age 25. The Center for Disease Control found that students who smoke marijuana may struggle more in school and are at greater risk of dropping out of high school than their peers who do not use. Additionally, marijuana use has been linked to a range of mental health problems in teens such as depression or anxiety. Marijuana sometimes confused as a way to cope with mental struggle, when the routine use can worsen the severity of the issue.
